(Update: March 11, 2021): A GoFundMe to help the owner, Isaac, of a puppy taken by a cougar in Anmore has raised $5,000 in two hours.
The German Shepherd puppy, named Diez, was destined to become a search and rescue dog, and although the pup is not replaceable, the fundraiser will enable Isaac to fulfill his dream of training a dog to help in the community.
(Original story):
A cougar was able to take off with a puppy in Anmore, a community in Metro Vancouver, last night.
A man had been walking his German Shepherd puppy on a leash along Sunnyside Rd. when a cougar came out of the bushes and grabbed the pet.
The man tried to hang onto the leash and kicked at the cougar, but it was able to take off with the puppy.
Officer immediately responded to the report, which came in shortly after 7 pm.
Despite extensive patrols of the area, conservation officers were unable to locate the cougar.
According to the BC COS, this is the second cougar attack in two days.
It is unknown at this time if the separate incident in Port Moody is linked to the same animal.
“The COS understands the public is concerned about these incidents and are taking this situation seriously – public safety is our priority,” the BC COS said.
The COS is working with local Anmore officials to increase awareness and coordinate efforts to promote public safety.
CO’s are in Anmore and Port Moody today and will be for the foreseeable future, investigating multiple cougar sightings, interactions, and occurrences in the area.
CO’s are also consulting with biologists as next steps are being determined. Signage has been placed in the area.
“It is important to take precautions when living in areas frequented by cougars. Cougar sightings in greenbelt areas are common across the Lower Mainland. It is not unusual for cougars to target small dogs, or cats, as prey, but this escalating behaviour around people is concerning and abnormal,” the COS added.
