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TikTok taxidermist kills opossum in whacked-out livestream: cops
A Tennessee taxidermist was arrested after a livestream appeared to show him killing an opossum while a woman off camera urged him to stop. Police said they received multiple complaints about his online behaviour, and charged him with aggravated animal cruelty.
Reports identify the man as 34-year-old Brandon Terry Honea, who was arrested on Wednesday, two days after the livestream. He reportedly said the opossum had been killing his chickens and claimed state wildlife officials told him he had done nothing wrong. He was released after posting $7,000 bond.
In short
- Tennessee taxidermist arrested over an opossum’s death shown on livestream.
- He faces an aggravated animal cruelty charge.
- Honea was released after posting $7,000 bond.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
If the opossum was killing his chickens, Honea may have been trying to protect his animals and livelihood, and he says wildlife officials told him his actions were lawful. A fair assessment should establish what happened, what guidance he received and whether the killing violated Tennessee law before treating the livestream as proof of guilt.
The case against
An animal’s threat to chickens does not automatically justify killing it in the manner shown, particularly if safer or legally required alternatives were available. The reported livestream and complaints warrant investigation, and an aggravated cruelty charge reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegation, though guilt remains for the courts to determine.
Explained simply
Taxidermy is the practice of preparing and preserving the bodies of animals, often for display. Opossums are small, wild marsupials found across much of the United States, and some people keep poultry such as chickens in areas where wildlife is present.
In Tennessee, animal cruelty is covered by state law, and aggravated animal cruelty is a criminal charge. Wildlife officials and police have different roles: wildlife agencies advise on wild animals and regulations, while police investigate alleged crimes.