SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the State Attorney’s Office are investigating Sarasota content creator Charles Ross after he posted a video of an opossum being launched into the air by a catapult.
Ross, who posts social media videos under the name RossCreations, has millions of followers across platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He is known for what he describes as “prank-style” videos.
Many concerned viewers reached out to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to report the video.
“That’s so unnecessary,” said Collin, a local resident.
“I mean, a life is a life. No matter how small… or if it’s on the side of the road,” said local resident Gabby. “It’s unfortunate to see. We were put on this world to take care of you know, these animals, and it hurts to see us abusing that power.”
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Animal advocates are calling for accountability in the case.
“Until the laws governing animal cruelty are such, and abusers are held accountable for their actions— a slap on the wrist will not do,” said Marsha Panuce, founder of Donte’s Den, in a statement to ABC7. “Animals have souls and should be treated with respect and dignity.”
“This video is absolutely sickening. It’s a horrifying and gratuitous use of cruelty against an animal who is simply trying to exist,” said Kristin Rickman, director for PETA’s (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) emergency response team. “All animals deserve respect and deserve to be treated kindly with accord to their own best interests, and that’s just basic human decency.”
This is not the first time Ross has been in trouble with the law. Last year, he was charged with alleged trespassing while filming content for his channel.
Ross has not responded to the accusation of animal cruelty. ABC7 has reached out to his attorney for comment.
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