This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

A North Carolina man has been charged only with misdemeanor animal cruelty in connection with the case of a group of individuals setting an opossum on fire in Charlotte. Demand maximum felony penalties in this case for everyone involved!
 

According to an affidavit, on April 24, 2025, a video was posted on Facebook of individuals “dousing an opossum with an accelerant and then lighting the opossum on fire.” Tips that came in stated that the video originated from a user named “Hefe Hefe,” which was an account determined to belong to Cameron Bernard Torrence of Mecklenburg County.

Wildlife officers went to canvas the area and found the burned opossum on the side of the road. They went to the house at the address, but weren't able to make contact at that time.

An arrest warrant was issued for Torrence, who was charged only with instigating cruelty to an animal — a mere misdemeanor under North Carolina law. This charge fails to reflect the severity of the crime. Deliberately setting a live animal on fire and filming it is not just cruelty — it's malicious torture, and it meets the legal definition of aggravated animal cruelty, which qualifies as a Class H felony punishable by up to 39 months in prison under North Carolina's Susie's Law. However, Torrence is already out on bond, with a court date set for August 1.

We're urging prosecutors to upgrade the charge to a felony, seek maximum sentencing, and ensure that Torrence undergoes a psychological evaluation and mandatory treatment. If convicted, he must also face a lifelong ban on contact with animals. Authorities have indicated that at least two others may have been involved — and if so, they must be prosecuted under the same strong statutes as well. They're considering upgrading the charges. Anything less sends the message that even the most extreme acts of violence toward animals will go virtually unpunished.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Maximum Sentencing and Felony Charges for Cameron Bernard Torrence

I’m writing to urge you to seek felony charges and maximum sentencing for Cameron Bernard Torrence and his accomplices, who were filmed sadistically setting a live opossum on fire and posting the disturbing act to social media. This is a horrifying instance of aggravated animal cruelty and a clear case of malicious torture, which qualifies under North Carolina General Statutes § 14-360(b) as a Class H felony punishable by up to 39 months in prison.

Despite the felony statute being available, Mr. Torrence has reportedly only been charged with a misdemeanor and released on bail, and no one else involved has been charged yet. This is an extremely disappointing response to such a calculated and extreme act of violence, and Torence’s bail should be revoked and his accomplices arrested. The torture and burning of a sentient wild animal demands serious legal consequences. The state strengthened felony animal cruelty in 2010 in response to Susie, a dog burned alive, by passing Susie’s Law, which applies to ALL vertebrate animals, including wild animals, so I hope the charges wil be upgraded soon.

Please charge this act as a felony, and ensure that Mr. Torrence — and any others involved — are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This includes:

- Seeking the maximum allowable sentence under the Class H felony provision, which carries a penalty of up to 39 months in prison in North Carolina.

- Ordering a psychological evaluation and mandatory mental health treatment is warranted, given the deeply disturbing and sadistic nature of the crime.

- Prohibiting any future contact with animals upon release, to protect other animals from harm.

Mr. Torrence’s prior criminal history makes this case especially urgent. Failing to escalate the charges risks undermining public confidence in your office and sends the dangerous message that animal cruelty is not taken seriously.

This was not a momentary lapse in judgment — it was a deliberate act of cruelty that should never be minimized. Failing to act decisively not only betrays the animal who suffered but also puts the community at risk.

There is a well-established link between those who torture animals and those who commit violent crimes against humans. Prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law is not only about justice for animals — it’s a critical step in protecting public safety.

Please do everything in your power to ensure that justice is served — for this opossum, for all animals, and for the safety of your community.

Thank you for your consideration of this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.