Prince Albert Police want people to know they’re not linked to last year’s dog shooting.
An online petition saying police used excessive force against a dog on the Key First Nation, near Kamsack, is nearing 200,000 signatures.
Part of the RCMP incident – in which they arrested Adam Cote, who was wanted on warrants relating to assault – was captured on video. A recent re-posting of the video led to an onslaught of criticism against Saskatchewan RCMP.
The petition says “Prince Albert K-9” were involved, and Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is clarifying its service has no relation to what happened.
A social media post by PAPS says one of their own is incorrectly being named as an officer involved.
Here is an excerpt from the post:
“The Prince Albert Police Service would like to confirm that no members of our Police Service were present during the incident.
Social media comments identifying Prince Albert Police Service Sergeant Clint Rudderham as being associated or responsible are incorrect and completely false.”
Saskatchewan’s RCMP has confirmed public complaints were made at the time of the dog’s death.
The RCMP is currently investigating, and started investigating long before this recent resurgence in interest relating to why the dog was shot, according to RCMP media relations officer, Sgt. Craig Cleary.
Even with the petition calling the shooting an abuse of power, the RCMP will only comment further if formal discipline results.