The RAPS Animal Control Officers (ACO) have a difficult job and some strange stories to tell about working as an ACO in Richmond. Here are a few of their 'tails'.
FEB 2 -- RCMP requested assistance in restraining a 3-foot-long iguana. The residence was a crime scene and the RCMP needed to search the room the iguana was in. Officer Burnham arrived on scene and was shown the location of where the iguana was housed. Burnham entered the small room, threw a towel over the iguana, picked it up then placed it on the ground holding its neck and tail to the ground to prevent it from escaping. Burnham came very close to being whipped in the eye by the tail of the iguana. The police conducted a quick search and the iguana was released back into the room.
FEB 4 -- Report of a stray Shepherd mix wandering the streets. Officer Burnham arrived on scene and spotted the reported dog in someone's driveway. As Burnham approached, the dog bolted. Burnham pursued in his vehicle, following the dog into an area park. Burnham attempted to apprehend the dog, but it bolted again in the opposite direction. After losing sight of it, Burnham was shown where it was by some kids in the area. The dog was in another yard, so Burnham traced the address with the City and discovered that the dog was now in its own yard. Burnham alerted the resident who had no idea the dog had been out and did not show much concern. Burnham recalled another incident involving the same dog a few months back. The owner was issued a ticket for failing to keep the dog confined.
FEB 8 -- Officer Kilborn received a report of a SharPei running in and out of traffic. Kilborn arrived at the intersection where the dog was reported to be and witnessed the dog running down the road. Kilborn attempted to apprehend the dog, but it ran back into the road through traffic and into a back yard. Kilborn entered the yard to find the dog and was alerted by the residents that the dog belonged to them. Kilborn issued the owner a ticket for failing to keep the dog confined to its yard.
FEB 17 -- RCMP requested assistance in removing a young mastiff pup from a grow-op being dismantled. Officer Burnham arrived on scene and was shown the dog on the back porch. The dog was not aggressive at all just very scared. Burnham removed the dog and took it back to the shelter. The dog is now at the shelter awaiting a new and better home.
