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A Richmond dog owner is getting harassed after false accusations of animal abuse circulated in posters and on social media.

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Richmond RCMP said it has responded to several calls at the dog owner’s home after claims alleging that a dog, Hugo, was being abused at the house.

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Posters plastered around the city said Hugo lived in a cage at a home on No. 5 Road near Steveston Highway. The notice, accompanied by a photograph of a sad-looking dog, included an address and pleaded with the public to help “save the dog” and “take it away” from the home.

The plea quickly spread on social media.

But the allegations have been investigated by police, the City of Richmond and the B.C. SPCA, and were determined to be unfounded.

On Thursday, police said a “steady stream” of people are still going to the home. Some might have had well-meaning intentions to “check” on the well-being of the dog, but others were aggressive and confrontational.

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Mounties have been posted outside the home to inform the public the abuse allegation was false.

“We need the public to understand that Hugo is fine and not encountering any abuse,” said Richmond RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Adriana O’Malley in a statement.

It appears someone made a concerted effort to publicize false allegations of animal cruelty by posting signage on city property that Hugo was being abused, said police. It is actively investigating mischief in relation to this case.

The city asks...

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