Roofer accused of fatally scorching raccoon in tar-heating machine

The owner of a roofing company was arrested yesterday, accused by wildlife officials of killing a raccoon that could not be coaxed out of the fire kettle of a tar-heating machine.

Eric L. Hill, 49, of 3738 67th Ave. N., Pinellas Park, was charged with felony cruelty to animals.

Hill and his employees began work on the roof of Northside Hospital in Pinellas Park when they discovered two of the animals, Gary Morse, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.



One member of the crew turned on the tar-heating machine and heard scratching, Morse said. Inside the furnace of the machine was a young raccoon. Its fur was singed when the machine was activated, Morse said.

The workers turned off the machine and removed the animal, but the second raccoon, an adult, would not come out. Hill told his employees that they were wasting time and to turn on the machine although the adult raccoon was still inside, Morse said.

"The people who work for Mr. Hill refused to restart the bucket," Morse said. "So he did it himself." The adult raccoon was burned alive. "There's no explanation for this kind of act," Morse said. "I'm at a loss for words." Hill was released from Pinellas County Jail on $5,000 bail.