A Tennessee taxidermist was arrested after allegedly killing an opossum during a TikTok livestream, despite a woman off camera pleading with him to stop, according to reports.
Brandon Terry Honea, 34, was reportedly seen during Monday’s livestream lifting the animal by its tail and repeatedly slamming it against a porch, TMZ reported. A woman could be heard urging him to show mercy.
Honea was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after authorities received several complaints about the disturbing video and his alleged conduct online, according to the outlet.
In a statement reportedly given to investigators, Honea claimed the opossum had been killing his chickens. He also allegedly said the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency had told him he had not committed a crime.
“The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office takes reports of animal cruelty seriously and remains committed to protecting our community,” the department told Fox 54.
Honea was reportedly released after posting a $7,000 bond.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.