Bismarck, North Carolina. A woman who was charged after allegedly bringing a raccoon to a bar is now seeking help paying for her lawyer.
Erin Christensen was arrested Sept. 6 after bringing a raccoon to a Bismarck bar, prompting a state health department warning that anyone who may have come into contact with the raccoon should be tested for rabies.
Christensen was charged with falsifying evidence, providing false information to law enforcement and violating hunting and fishing regulations in North Dakota, the Benson County Sheriff’s Office told KFYR.
Christensen told the Bismarck Tribune that she hopes the online fundraiser will help her pay her attorney’s fees.
About three months ago, Christensen found the raccoon motionless on the side of the road, according to GoFundMe. Upon bringing the animal home, Christensen “was very careful at first not to take it with anyone to make sure it wasn’t infected with rabies. He showed no signs of rabies during the entire time he was with her, and he soon became an important member of our family.”
Christensen told the Bismarck Tribune that the police response was disproportionate to her taking the animal to the bar, saying “the police brought in a battering ram to break down the front door of the house” and “used it to find and kill Loki… Impressive.” … A movement of shock and awe.”
KFYR officials said the raccoon was euthanized to be tested for rabies and other diseases.
“My children were devastated and heartbroken,” Christensen told the Bismarck Tribune. “They cried for hours yesterday. No good deed goes unpunished; obviously it’s cruel for young people. Lessons.”
According to the Bismarck Tribune, if found guilty, Christensen faces a maximum prison term and a $7,500 fine.
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