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Demand Maximum Sentences for Police Officers Who Beat Porcupines to Death

Demand Maximum Sentences for Police Officers Who Beat Porcupines to Death

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Over the summer, two police officers in Rockland, Maine allegedly killed 11 porcupines between them by beating them to death with their retractable batons while on duty. Fortunately, fellow officers found out and reported them for their heartless acts. They've both since been fired and charged with animal cruelty, and now we're calling on the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting their cases to seek maximum penalties for each abuser.

According to a report filed by Maine Game Warden investigator Kevin Anderson, both Michael Rolerson and Addison Cox reportedly admitted that they killed porcupines, while Rolerson told other officers that sometimes he would pepper spray the porcupines before or after beating them.

Their cruel and senseless acts of violence against these porcupines came to light in August when another officer reported them to superiors.

Rolerson and Cox were both fired in September, and issued summonses for animal cruelty. Each were charged with Class C aggravated animal cruelty and a misdemeanor count of night hunting, while Cox was also charged with misdemeanor unlawful use or possession of implements or aids, and Rolerson was also charged with misdemeanor illuminating wild animals.

A third officer accused of taking a video of one of the killings and posting on Snapchat has been placed on administrative leave.

Justice for Animals

Rolerson and Cox are due to appear in Knox County Superior Court on November 9, and will hopefully be held accountable.

"Law enforcement and civilians live under the same laws, the same rules, and the same community norms in Prosecutorial District 6," said District Attorney Natasha Irving. "The crimes alleged shock the conscience of the entire Midcoast community. It is our duty as prosecutors to hold these men accountable for these crimes without fear or favor, that is what justice demands, and that is what we intend to do."

What You Can Do

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

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