On Tuesday, Aug. 6, it was revealed that Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will not face charges for dumping a dead bear in Central Park a decade ago. Dumping roadkill in the park was illegal, but the statute of limitations for the alleged crime expired years ago.
However, the admission has garnered a lot of reaction on social media. The New York City Sanitation Department also chimed in, advising people on ways to properly dispose of dead animals. RFK Jr.’s way is not one of the recommended procedures.
Instead, the city listed other solutions for disposing of animal carcasses, like calling 311 if a person finds a dead animal on public property. If the animal is on a person’s property, the city said that they should throw out the dead animal with their garbage, just make sure that it is labeled. The New York City Department of Sanitation posted some more humorous label options as well. However, if the animal had rabies or bit someone, the city said that a person is required to report that.
Now, if Kennedy admitted to his so-called prank at the time of disposing of the bear, he reportedly could have faced several charges including illegal possession of a bear without a tag or permit and illegal disposal of a bear. Both violations carry fines of around $250 for first time offenses.
Kennedy said that he did not have time to dispose of the bear carcass because he was running short on time to catch his plane at the airport. However, disposing of the bear in Central Park was not his only option. New York City reportedly has Animal Care Centers of NYC drop-off locations. The reported cost to cremate an animal is $50, far less than the $250 fine that Kennedy could have faced.