'Hugo is fine': RCMP say Richmond, B.C., resident harassed over false cruelty claim

Police in Metro Vancouver are telling the public to leave a pet owner and their dog Hugo alone after the resident was "mercilessly harassed" over unfounded claims of animal abuse.

A statement from Richmond RCMP says they have received multiple calls since June 16 to investigate the pet owner after posters were put up around the city listing the address and accusing the resident of cruelty.

But the RCMP say the claims have been "thoroughly investigated and determined to be unfounded" by police, the city and the BC SPCA.

The statement says the Mounties have had to post officers outside the home "to preserve public safety" and tell the public the claims are baseless.

Cpl. Adriana O'Malley says in Thursday's statement that officers have observed a "steady stream of people" turning up at the home, some of them "aggressive and confrontational."

RCMP say the situation is now being investigated as a case of mischief targeting the resident.

"We need the public to understand that Hugo is fine and not encountering any abuse," O'Malley said.

She says it appeared someone had "made a concerted effort to publicize" the false allegations by posting signage on city property.

A Tweet from the City of Richmond on Wednesday says the dog is safe and well cared for, adding the hashtag "Hugo is fine."

The city shared a photo of Hugo, a Labrador retriever, looking well.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June. 22, 2023.