The man has now been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and public mischief.
A Sooke man has been charged with public mischief and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after allegedly misleading police.
RCMP said that on Sept. 6, 2023, they were contacted by an individual who alleged he was on a walk with his dog and two young children in the golf course area of Throup Rd and Charters Rd when a stranger attacked his dog with a blunt object.
The dog suffered a broken jaw and had to be euthanized as a result of the injury.
Police said a comprehensive investigation was conducted in order to verify the information provided, which included a review of multiple surveillance video sources as well as interviews.
“The individual was ultimately presented with those facts and admitted to having fabricated the story,” the Sooke RCMP said.
Police did not clarify how the dog was actually injured.
Derek Reid, age 32 of 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.
“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.
“Sooke 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.”
“We are appreciative of the strong and ongoing collaborative relationship that exists between the school district and the Sooke RCMP,” added 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.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241.
