Overview
- The raccoon was discovered on Nov. 29 at the Ashland ABC liquor store after multiple bottles were smashed, lying intoxicated by a bathroom toilet, according to Hanover County Animal Protection.
- On Hanover County’s Hear In Hanover podcast, Officer Samantha Martin said the animal has committed at least three break-ins, including earlier entries at a karate studio and the DMV in the same shopping complex.
- Martin said the raccoon was kept isolated in a kennel to prevent any contact that could necessitate a rabies test, which would require euthanasia.
- Officials maintain a no-relocation approach they describe as safer for raccoons, and Martin released the recovered animal to nearby woods that afternoon.
- Viral attention has driven a major fundraiser, with “Trashed Panda” merchandise surpassing $212,000 for shelter upgrades, as Virginia ABC and local bars rolled out themed cocktails.