Troy

City detectives are investigating the death of a woodchuck that allegedly was run over Friday by a golf cart during a Rensselaer police union golf tournament.

Allegations of animal abuse stirred social media and political comment. Two Troy detectives were assigned to track down evidence in the case.

"There was a public outcry," Deputy Chief Richard McAvoy said Monday.

He said witnesses stated that the woodchuck was run over deliberately when the Rensselaer Police Benevolent Association outing was under way at Frear Park Golf Course.

The Rensselaer PBA did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Rensselaer Mayor Dan Dwyer said Troy police contacted his office. "It's under investigation," he said, emphasizing that the city also would examine what happened.

Troy detectives were looking for video of the incident.

"The City Council and I were informed over the weekend of a disturbing incident which occurred last Friday," City Council President Carmella Mantello said in a press release.

Witnesses said two people in a golf cart chased down a woodchuck until it couldn't run anymore and then ran over the animal with their golf cart, Mantello said.

"Additionally, there are witness reports these same individuals ran over tee boxes with their carts and drove through the ropes on golf holes," she said.

Troy Mayor Patrick Madden's office referred inquiries to the police.

Woodchucks are not protected animals, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation website regarding small game hunting.

"Unprotected species may be taken at any time without limit," the website states. "A hunting license is required to hunt unprotected wildlife with a bow, crossbow, or firearm."

kcrowe@timesunion.com • 518-454-5084 • @KennethCrowe