A Sooke man has been charged with public mischief and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after allegedly misleading police into false allegations.
On Sept. 6, Sooke RCMP was contacted by a man who alleged he was on a walk with his dog and two young children, in the golf course area of Throup and Charters roads, when a stranger attacked his dog with a blunt object.
The dog suffered a broken jaw and was euthanized as a result of the injury.
RCMP say a thorough and comprehensive investigation was conducted in order to factually verify the information provided, which included a review and analysis of multiple surveillance video sources and interviews.
The man was ultimately presented with those facts and admitted to having fabricated the story.
“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 in a release Monday.
The statement said RCMP received multiple phone calls voicing concern about the attack since it allegedly occurred during school hours, inside of a major school zone area.
“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,” Willcocks said.
Derek Reid, 32, from Sooke, has been charged with public mischief and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He is set to appear in court on Jan. 4, 2024.
Mackenzie Read
