A Kentucky man dubbed "Cowboy Cody" was arrested after releasing a raccoon inside a packed bar, just months after showing up drunk at the same establishment on a "malnourished" mule.
Jonathan Mason, 40, of Murray, Kentucky, is a well-known figure in the area due to a string of unusual and disruptive appearances at local businesses, according to Local 12. In December, he was arrested for entering a bar riding a mule, reportedly "around 100 pounds malnourished," while brandishing a bullwhip at customers.
Animal control flagged concerns about Mason's treatment of animals, especially when intoxicated. Following that arrest, Mason was ordered to stay away from the bar and his mule.
On Friday, police responded to a disturbance at a bar in Murray around 9:18 p.m. Mason, despite being previously banned, had returned to the scene, this time with a raccoon. Witnesses say he released the animal into the bar, where it bit one employee before being corralled and released outside by another.
Bartender Mary Hafner said Mason had already been drinking when he arrived and initially left after being asked to, but soon returned with the animal. Hafner described the raccoon as more frightened than aggressive. When officers later located Mason in his car, he refused to cooperate, leading police to forcibly remove and arrest him.
Mason now faces multiple charges, including assault, trespassing, resisting arrest, and failing to maintain insurance. The bitten employee required a rabies shot, and police say they are continuing to investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, Mason was booked into Calloway County Jail. He has not publicly commented on the incident.
