Hanover County spends Trashed Panda funds on body cameras
A viral raccoon incident has generated $280,000 for local animal control, paying for new equipment and shelter upgrades.
By Anthony Brooks ·
Jeffrey Parker, chief of animal protection for Hanover County, still remembers the shock of seeing the donation total climb past the $250,000 mark. The funds, raised through the "Trashed Panda" campaign, will cover more than half the cost of a new body camera system for his officers. The money stems from a single incident nearly a year ago when a visibly intoxicated raccoon was captured inside a Virginia ABC store in Hanover, Virginia.
The department had considered purchasing body cameras for several years but lacked the necessary budget data. The viral nature of the raccoon's capture provided the momentum to secure the funds quickly. Parker noted that the raccoon helped them move faster than their original timeline. He initially planned to request the cameras through the standard county budget process but viewed the campaign revenue as a way to save taxpayer dollars.
The department sold shirts featuring the raccoon's image to generate the approximately $280,000 raised since the campaign began. Parker said the feedback from the public has been remarkable, with many people relating to the incident. The funds are not just for cameras; they are also being used for new animal housing, toys, a temperature-controlled food shed, and a community pet pantry. The money will be split between field operations and shelter operations.
The body cameras are intended to improve officer safety, transparency, and court documentation. Parker explained that officers previously had to rely on the sheriff's office for footage. Now, the department can capture evidence independently. The cameras will also help resolve complaints about staff members and ensure reports are accurate, preventing the potential discipline of good officers based on incomplete information.
The "Trashed Panda" funding will pay for all the equipment and this year's service. Parker said that service for years two through five will come from the county's budget. Officers are currently training over the next couple of months to prepare for the new equipment. The initial start date for officers to wear the cameras is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2027.
Parker said the department is currently gathering more projects for the remaining funds. His goal is to use all the money for the animals in the department. As for the raccoon that started it all, Parker said no one knows where the animal is now. He hopes the raccoon is living a good life, avoiding further breaking and entering, and staying sober.
