Where’s Saffron? Louisiana Humane Society steps in to help owner get opossum back
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The saga of Saffron the opossum that was confiscated by the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries during Mardi Gras continues. Now, the owner of the opossum, William Voiles, says the Humane Society of Louisiana is stepping in to try and help him get his pet back.
Voiles said Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana contacted him and told him that they are contacting the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries to see what they can do, plus they are talking to state representatives who are willing to help.
Voiles also said the Humane Society offered to possibly pay for any caging and help with getting him the exhibitor’s license in order for him to legally keep Saffron as a pet.
New Orleans artist makes posters to ‘bring Saffron the opossum home’
“When I got him, I wasn’t trying to break the law. I was trying to save a life because his mother was just hit by a car and he was no bigger than my thumb,” Voiles said.
Voiles went on to say, “I have been taking care of him. He’s healthy. I don’t see why it’s against the law to do a humane thing for an animal.”
Voiles rescued 1-year-old Saffron when he was a newborn opossum after the opossum’s mother had been hit by a car. Ever since, Saffron has been a fixture in the French Quarter. Voiles is known for riding around on his trike with Saffron in a basket or on his shoulder.
There’s a petition to “Save Saffron,” and so far, the petition has received over 10,000 signatures.
“I miss him bad. I am hoping and praying that I get him back,” said Voiles.
Saffron’s whereabouts remain unknown.
In a statement sent to WGNO, LDWF officials said, “It is the duty of LDWF to uphold the laws of the state to manage, conserve and promote Louisiana wildlife and natural resources. Louisiana law states that opossums are illegal to possess in Louisiana without a permit.”
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