Friday, December 27, 2013

Possum Drop

Clay Logan plans to drop a live opossum this year on New Year's Eve at Brasstown, North Carolina.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit against Logan for lowering a live opossum.  They claim this is cruelty to animals and traumatizes this sensitive creature.

This annual event draws thousands of people and it was even filmed on national television. 

Recently, Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour ruled against PETA (WKRK Radio, "The Party Line").  A live opossum will be lowered in a cage at Clay's Corner to celebrate this New Year.

According to Joe Shook, former sheriff of Clay County, NC, "Logan treats the possum like royalty during the lowering to bring in the New Year. The possum is well fed, protected from the elements and warm.  These are probably the best days of the possum's life," ("Clay County Progress," Opinions, Page A4, December 26, 2013).

No doubt this controversy about using a live opossum in the annual New Year's Evc celebration will continue.  But this year Clay Logan plans to lower the animal at the strike of midnight, then release it into the woods.

I wonder what my blogger friends think about dropping a live

12 comments:

magnoliasntea said...

Oh boy, I'm sure you'll get some thoughts on this one. I wonder why Mr. Logan doesn't just drop something else and leave the possum alone, but on the other hand, IF said possum loves the whole business, has a good time and will put that in writing then I say Mr. Logan has my blessing. ;)

Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

Hootin Anni said...

...as long as the opossum isn't harmed in any way and released, no qualms here.

PS...LOVE the photo of you and your mother.

Thanks for stopping by to introduce yourself, and hope you'll return any time...you're always welcome at Hootin' Anni's!!!

Happy New Year.

TexWisGirl said...

oh, dear. well, i hope the possum is well. :)

thanks for stopping by! really appreciate it! happy new year!

lil red hen said...

I think it sounds like fun! I've seen much worse things happen to possums. Why is it now, people keep trying to take away our traditions. The possum isn't endangered so I say Go For It!

Rana Williams said...

Hi Brenda,
I don't believe Mr. Logan does any harm to this animal. The lawsuit is ridiculous. PETA needs to focus on something else.

Happy New Years to you and you Mom.

Your friend,

Rana

Janet, said...

I've heard about this before. I don't see a thing wrong with it. It's safer for them than walking across a country road :o)

Connie said...

I've heard of this. I haven't seen it done, so I don't know if it is inhumane or not.

Wishing you a very happy new year, Brenda!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

I am reasonably sure that it was a possum that dug under our chicken yard fence and killed Hetty, our blind chicken, so I have no great love for them. But it doesn't sound to me like the one who gets dropped is mistreated at all.

Glenda Beall said...

I am an animal lover, Brenda Kay, but this time I think PETA should spend the money they are wasting on this issue to do some real good for animals like the stray dogs and cats that roam all over these mountains. I'm sure those poor dogs or cats would enjoy a night of good food and warmth from Mr. Logan. These kinds of issues in all the newspapers hurt animal rights groups that work so hard to rescue and find homes for unwanted pets.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I've been to the Possum drop and Clay Logan absolutely does treat the possum like royalty. I agree with Glenda that PETA should spent their time doing good elsewhere in our area and help the numerous strays or the local animal shelters who struggle to survive.

Happy New Year to you and your family Tipper.
Sam

Susie Swanson said...

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong what so ever with it. Clay Logan is not the type of man that would hurt anything. I think there are a lot more ways for PETA to make themselves useful. I wrote about it in my new book and it may have offended some but that possum is not in anyway harmed. He is fed really well and turned back into the wild where he most likely will get run over by a car. Good post Brenda. Happy New Year!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Happy 2014 to you and yours. My wish for you is a year full of lots of JOY, PEACE, LOVE and BLESSINGS.

I have no problem with the possum dropping. PETA carries things to extreme sometimes and does more damage than good.

Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Betsy