A 32-year-old Sooke man is facing charges of public mischief and animal cruelty after allegedly providing misleading information to police.
On Sept. 6, Sooke RCMP received a report that a man, while walking a dog with two young children in the Throup and Charters Road area, a stranger attacked the dog with a blunt object.
The attack reportedly resulted in the dog sustaining a broken jaw, leading to its euthanization due to the severity of the injury.
The RCMP investigated, reviewing multiple surveillance videos and conducting interviews to verify the claims.
“Following the initial report to police, the incident gained considerable attention on social media, inciting outrage and concern within the community,” said Staff Sgt. Greg Willcocks, the Sooke RCMP detachment commander.
“The Sooke RCMP received numerous inquiries and calls expressing worry about the alleged attack, particularly as it was purported to have happened during school hours within a major school zone. The community’s palpable concern was evident through the influx of media inquiries and queries from concerned community members, including counselors and the mayor.”
Derek Reid is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 4, facing charges of public mischief and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 250-642-5241 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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