The RAPS Animal Control Officers (ACO) have a hard job, but they take every day in stride. Here are a few of their adventures:
Nov. 1 - RAPS received a report of a wolf-hybrid at large at the Vancouver Airport. Officer Kilburn attended along with Richmond RCMP and a Conservation Officer. Kilborn and another officer tried to catch the dog along with the owner but couldn't do so. A short time after trying to catch the animal the attending conservation officer had to tranquilize the dog. The dog dropped to the ground and was then loaded back into the crate from which it had escaped. The dog escaped a second time during the day and this time was caught and impounded. The animal was reported to be 93% wolf.
Nov. 16 - RAPS received a report of an aggressive dog in a cul-de-sac who was barking and growling at some children and a senior. Officer Burnham attended and was directed to where the dog lives. Burnham approached and noticed the side gate open. A large mastiff-type dog then came bounding out barking aggressively. Burnham coaxed the dog over with treats and had it sit. The dog then ran back to its yard. A vehicle then drove up and the owner apologized. Burnham requested that the owner keep the dog contained to its property to avoid any further bylaw infractions.
Nov. 27 - RAPS received another report of the “Black Ghost Dog” from River Road. Last summer, RAPS received a report of a black German Shepherd-type dog roaming the area of the 20000 block of River Rd. The dog was reported getting into garbage throughout the area. Burnham had recalled once seeing a dog matching the description in an empty lot. On the 27th, a black Shepherd was reported to be in a backyard on the 23000 block of Westminster Hwy. Burnham attended and was shown where the dog was hiding. The man who reported it said he had seen it hanging around for about a month and had noticed it getting skinnier. Burnham was able to capture the dog after nearly 30 minutes when the dog trapped itself under some lumber in the mud. The dog appears very skittish but is in relatively good health.
