Police not amused by fake reports of monkey on the loose in P.E.I. capital

CHARLOTTETOWN -

Social media reports of a monkey on the loose in downtown Charlottetown today prompted intervention by police and the local humane society, but it turned out to be a prank.

The social media posts included pictures and video that made it appear a long-tailed primate was wandering around the Prince Edward Island capital.

Some residents were seen carrying bananas in case they encountered the monkey.

The Charlottetown Police later issued a message on Twitter saying that while everyone appreciates a good joke, especially during the pandemic, such hoaxes can put a strain on the emergency 911 system.

 

While we all appreciate a good joke (especially during the pandemic), an incident like this can put a strain on the system. It's all fun and games until 911 is tied up with people calling about a fake monkey and those with real emergencies can't get through. -Dispatcher Kelly 🚨

— Charlottetown Police (@ChtownPolice) June 7, 2021

They said if 911 is tied up with people calling about "a fake monkey," those with real emergencies can't get through.

The P.E.I. Humane Society called the prank ill-advised and said it was thankful no animals were harmed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2021.