A Kentucky man known as “Cowboy Cody” was arrested for releasing a raccoon inside a crowded bar, just months after arriving drunk at the same establishment on a “malnourished” mule.
Jonathan Mason, 40, of Murray, Kentucky, is a well-known figure in the community after making a series of unusual and disruptive appearances at local businesses, according to Local 12. In December, he was arrested for riding a mule into a bar, allegedly “around 100 pounds malnourished,” and brandishing a bullwhip at customers.
Animal control raised concerns about Mason’s treatment of animals, particularly while intoxicated. Following his arrest, Mason was told to stay away from the bar and his mule.
At 9:18 p.m. on Friday, police responded to a disturbance at a Murray bar. Mason, despite his previous ban, had returned to the scene, this time with a raccoon.
Witnesses claim he let the animal into the bar, where it bit one employee before being caught and released outside by another.
According to bartender Mary Hafner, Mason had already been drinking when he arrived and left when asked, but returned with the animal shortly after.
Hafner described the raccoon as more scared than aggressive. When officers found Mason in his car, he refused to cooperate, prompting police to forcibly remove and arrest him.
Mason is now facing several charges, including assault, trespassing, resisting arrest, and failure to maintain insurance. The bitten employee required a rabies shot, and police say they are still investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, Mason was booked into the Calloway County Jail. He has not publicly addressed the incident.
