A recent incident in Sooke has drawn attention after a man was charged with public mischief and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal following false allegations made to the police.
The incident, reported on September 6th, involved a claim made to the Sooke RCMP by an individual who stated that while walking his dog and two young children near Throup Road and Charters Road golf course area, a stranger had attacked his dog with a blunt object.
“After the initial report to police, the incident was spread over social media, causing outrage and criticism in the community,” said S/Sgt. Greg Willcocks, detachment commander for Sooke RCMP.
After the incident, the Sooke RCMP detachment received multiple phone calls expressing concern about the attack, as it was purportedly during school hours within a school zone area.
The alleged assault resulted in the dog sustaining a broken jaw, leading to its subsequent euthanization due to the severity of the injury.
Sooke RCMP launched an investigation which included reviewing multiple surveillance videos and interviews aimed at corroborating the reported incident.
Police said the details from the investigation revealed the story had been fabricated.
The concern from the community was palpable as demonstrated by the volume of media inquiries as well as inquiries from concerned community stakeholders such as counsellors and the mayor in regard to this incident.
“We are appreciative of the strong and ongoing collaborative relationship that exists between the school district and the Sooke RCMP,” said Sooke School District Superintendent Scott Stinson.
“Their immediate notification that there was no threat to students or staff and was reassuring and allowed the school to continue their day and regular dismissal without interruption.”
The accused, identified as 32-year-old Derek Reid from Sooke, has been charged.
Reid is facing charges of public mischief and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
His court appearance is scheduled for January 4th, 2024.
Anyone with information on this incident are asked to call Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241.
