Is it legal to kill raccons?

I've just seen some pictures (on myspace) of some kids who killed a raccoon basically ripping apart it's head along with messing with it's brain and lungs (some of them were blowing into them). I was just wondering if there's anything that could be done - they seemed to have no problem doing it...
Additional Details
I'll try reporting them to Humane Society - I'm not easily disgusted but they decapitated the head and placed it on a road sign - as well as "dissecting" the body all with smiles on their faces.

Diva

Are you serious?? That is totally sick!! Report them to the police and your local SPCA or Humane Society.

Isseeh

why the **** would anyone kill a racoon even if they are annoying still they were here before us. if anything we've invaded their territory, they can't help doing what they do because often they don't even have anywhere to live. THat's awful that anyone would do that :(

Kyle

no totally legal they're considered a pest but they might get into animal cruelty issues

financing_loans

Thats just sick and wrong. Im not sure if its legal or not but they definately need some help. Im sure if what you are saying is true its cruelty to animals. Ask michael vick after his 2 your jail term, he would probably agree. If they did it, I sure as hell wouldnt be posting it. Send the pictures to the local DA im sure they could be charged with something.

Dana237

Oh. My. God. Yeah, they should be reported. Poor racoon.....

cubanchongo

Idk whether its legal or not..but with any animal you kill..you can't kill it cruelly or make it suffer. like ripping its head off for example or playing with its organs.

Ben.taft

Yes kids can not kill small animals and at the very least ttheir moms would punish them.

ianmoniq

I know it's illegal in California. That's sick and possibly animal abuse as well. Try to report them. They say serial killers start out abusing and killing animals as children. These kids need a scare at least.

Sam <3

ASPCA

cutey

if u got a hunting license

ffagirl15

I think it depends on where they are at. Some places have regulations on where and how they can be killed.
They run into the big risk though of getting rabies from it if they are not careful.

DontCallMeYank

No its not illegal to kill racoons because they are vermin but that could be considered animal cruelty.

kijonaia

I think it is. I think you're supposed to call Animal Control to humanely catch them or something like that. I'm not sure, though. It might be legal in some places, and might be illegal in others.

Ley S

Perposely....yeah, but its not illegal if its by accident. I bet other countries allow raccoon killing.

concrete angel

yes dat y u can see them as road kill