WEST ALLIS - When Dean Hall ventured into a West Allis back alley on Wednesday night, he saw two youngsters standing over a tiny marsupial. The boys were mercilessly beating the helpless creature.
"They're just sitting there kicking the crap out of the possum," Hall said as he stood in the alley where the assault occurred. "I hollered at 'em."
One of the youngsters took off immediately. But the other stood his ground and resumed kicking the furry animal. Without thinking, Hall hurled a container of ice tea at the kid.
"I accidentally wacked him," Hall said with a wry smile. "I wasn't trying to, but I did."
When the second boy took off, Hall moved in to help the injured opossum. He took off his sweater and then removed the sleeveless t-shirt he was wearing underneath. Gingerly, he wrapped the animal in the cotton shirt and set out for The Wisconsin Humane Society.
"We're really delighted he took the chance of advocating for little Ellie," said Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Manager Scott Deihl after staffers named the opossum. "She really needed somebody to step in."
Deihl says animal abuse by youngsters can be a harbinger of things to come.
"People who abuse animals are five times more likely to be involved in violence against humans," Deihl said, citing empirical data on the topic.
The Wisconsin Humane Society has a variety of educational programs to teach children about compassion and respect for animals. Nominations are now being accepted for the People Animals Learning (PAL) program. Milwaukee area teachers are invited to recommend underserved children for this summer program. Students who participate in PAL develop compassion and self- esteem while working with dogs, cats, wild animals and each other.
For more information about PAL call (414) 431-6159
Dean Hall may never have participated in such a program, but he gets it.
"Granted, we walk different than they do," he said of the animals he views as equals. "We talk and we're educated and whatnot. But, animals and people are still on the same level basically. We both eat. We both sleep. Everything's the same basically, except they're furry. We're not."
