Warning: This story contains graphic detail that may not be suitable to all readers.
A dead cougar’s corpse was decapitated and its head temporarily stolen last week from a dumpster on City property.
On Tuesday, November 21st, a cougar within Greater Victoria was shot and killed by VicPD with oversight from the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) because it was deemed as a threat while roaming in the city limits — largely because of its close proximity to nearby schools.
It was put down near the Selkirk waterfront along the Gorge waterway.
“Situations where police are required to dispatch an animal are extremely rare,” VicPD said in a statement after the animal was killed.
“We understand that people may feel strongly about this animal and its well-being, and we can assure you that this decision was not made lightly; this was a difficult decision for the officers involved. However, the safety and security of the community is our priority.”
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An anonymous source within the City of Victoria told Victoria Buzz that after the animal was killed, VicPD officers took the animal to a City waste management facility and placed the cougar’s corpse in a dumpster. This was done to keep the animal’s remains contained until such time as conservation officers could retrieve it in order to properly dispose of the body.
While the cougar’s body was lying in the dumpster, someone went into the dumpster and decapitated the animal by cutting off its head and taking it with them.
Following this, all staff were reportedly told that there would be dire consequences if the head was not returned to the dumpster, and the COS would likely impose fines and other possible repercussions.
With that, the head was returned to the dumpster the following day; however, it is still not known to City staff who decapitated the cougar’s remains.
Victoria Buzz reached out to the City of Victoria to comment on what transpired and they said, “the City cannot comment on specific personnel matters.”
“Allegations of inappropriate workplace behaviour are investigated and may lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal,” the City concluded.
“The COS is investigating this matter,” a COS spokesperson told Victoria Buzz in a statement.
“As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”
VicPD says that the incident was not reported to them following what occurred.
