Raccoon set on fire in Quincy has died. 'We don't regret giving her a chance'

WEYMOUTH − A raccoon that was reportedly set on fire in what police have called an intentional act of cruelty has died.

"Despite our efforts and around-the-clock care, we lost our patient today," reads the Facebook post from the New England Wildlife Center, which received the animal Dec. 30 and administered lifesaving care for two weeks.

Earlier in the week, an update posted to Facebook by the New England Wildlife Center reported the animal's progress with guarded optimism. It noted the raccoon was eating, showing signs of curiosity and engaging in light recreational activities.

The raccoon underwent three surgeries, but ultimately the severity of the burns was overwhelming.

After the third surgery Thursday, Jan. 11, the raccoon's vital signs remained stable, and veterinarian Priya Patel applied honey to help regenerate the animal's skin, said New England Wildlife Center President Katrina Bergman.

By Friday morning, the animal's condition had deteriorated.

"This morning, we found her more lethargic than usual, and shortly after her morning meds, she arrested," the post said.

The veterinary team tried CPR and administered emergency medications, to no avail.

"We are all very sad today but don't regret giving her a chance," the Facebook post stated. "We know she was fighting until the very end."

"CPR given to a raccoon would not differ much from a human being − chest compressions, oxygen, drugs like Dopram and fluids," said New England Wildlife Center founding veterinarian Greg Mertz.

For almost two weeks, staff performed surgeries, administered medication, fed and cleaned the animal, continuously assessing whether the potential benefits of continued treatment outweighed suffering by the raccoon.

Bergman said about 100 hours of active care, three surgeries and medication cost about $5,000. Mertz said commercial care would have cost about three times that amount.

The New England Wildlife Center is a nonprofit that relies on donations from the community. Bergman said people's generosity allowed her team to provide the care that allowed the raccoon to die in peace and dignity.

She said that while the raccoon's experience is both sad and disturbing, it's important for people to learn about it.

"These animals feel pain the same way we do," she said.

On Dec. 30, a Quincy man was arrested at his home on Royal Street after officers reported that the man had lit a fire in a tin can and placed the caged raccoon over the flames as they intensified. A neighbor called the police after shouting at the man to stop, according to a police report.

The man was arraigned in Quincy District Court on Tuesday, Jan. 2, on a charge of animal cruelty.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Raccoon set on fire in Quincy dies at New England Wildlife Center