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Raccoon Shot After Being Caught Drinking Mulled Wine In Christmas Market

Raccoon Shot After Being Caught Drinking Mulled Wine In Christmas Market

It was initially taken to an animal shelter

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

A drunk raccoon was shot dead after being filmed staggering through a Christmas market before passing out under a bin.

According to German news site Bild, the animal had been drinking leftover mulled wine out of discarded cups at the Erfurt markets, in central Germany.

It was seen at around midday on Saturday, where the poor creature stumbled across a road and could be seen making its way between stalls.

After playing with a woman's shoes for a bit, it ended up passing out on a door step.

It was eventually captured by authorities, who said it was 'obviously intoxicated'.

A police spokesperson told local news outlet DW: "However, a breathalyser test on the animal was not carried out."

PA

The footage shows the animal getting captured by authorities, who initially attempted to take it to a local animal shelter.

Sadly though, the case was then handed over to the 'city hunter' who put the animal to sleep. According to local news sites, this is because the shelters are only able to accept domestic pets.

Animal rescue SWE Tierheim Erfurt tweeted: "Unfortunately, the story of the drunken raccoon did not have a happy ending.

"The city hunter took him away and shot him dead."

It's not yet known where the animal had come from, but people were furious that the animal had been killed.

One Twitter user said: "What a bad solution. Why do that? How cruel and callous can people be doing something like that.

"Everyone who is involved and who has contributed to the decision should be immediately relieved of their profession and only be allowed to scratch gum from the sidewalk."

PA

Although they may look cute, raccoons can be dangerous to people or to other animals. Not only can they become aggressive, they are also know to carry various diseases.

Things like rabies and other conditions can be passed on to animals and humans. Pets that come into contact with them can be bitten or scratched.

However, they can also be trained and can be affectionate. It's been reported that when they become attached to their owners, they like to snuggle. Although they can still get aggressive if they are afraid or angry.

There have also been accounts of baby raccoons or young raccoons being good as pets, but when they become adults they can change their personalities and turn on their owners.

Featured Image Credit: MDR Thüringen