Update: On August 21st, Moxxii’s harness was turned into us at the police station and reunited with her handler.
Victoria, BC- Patrol officers are asking for your help as we work to locate several items stolen from this weekend’s Pet-a-Palooza, including the harness belonging to a volunteer search and rescue dog.
Officers are investigating after several Pet-a-Palooza vendors reported that items had been stolen after 5:30 p.m. Saturday night. Hosted on the grounds of St. Ann’s Academy in the 800-block of Humboldt Street, this year marked the ninth anniversary event in which pet vendors and owners gather in the park and included a K9 aquatic championship.
Among the items reported stolen is the harness worn by volunteer search and rescue dog Moxxii. This harness, used by S&R K9 Moxxii and her handler when deployed, is a key piece of safety equipment. In addition to being an essential part of Moxxii’s kit, the harness has irreplaceable patches sewn on it; gifts to Moxxii and her handler from military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The harness is olive green with handles, USAR patches and insignia on it. Images of the harness and Moxxii working are below.
In addition to Moxxii’s harness, several other vendors reported items being stolen. These include colourful embroidered dog collars like the ones below.
Additional stolen items include a blue suitcase, metal tote bins and more.
If you have any information about these thefts or have seen these items you are asked to call our non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.