A raccoon that was found passed out inside a liquor store in Virginia , US, last year has helped raise $250,000 (around ₹ 2.34 crore) for a local animal shelter through a fundraising campaign inspired by its drunken escapade.
The funds will reportedly help the department purchase body cameras for its animal protection officers, covering half the cost of the equipment. The cameras will help officers document animal cruelty investigations, improve transparency and provide evidence for court proceedings. “It was just remarkable the amount of feedback that came with it. I think a lot of people can relate to it as well. They could prevent good officers from being wrongly disciplined by providing footage of incidents.
Officers are expected to undergo training over the next couple of months, with the cameras scheduled to be rolled out on January 4, 2027.
Parker said he was initially shocked by the amount raised but grateful that the money would go back into supporting the animals and officers at the shelter. But it has just been remarkable,” he said. The cameras will also help the department address complaints against staff members and ensure reports are accurate, Parker said. The “Trashed Panda” campaign will cover the cost of all the equipment and its first year of service, while the county’s budget will fund the service for the following four years.
