$250,000 raised after viral raccoon incident funds animal control gear
Hanover County Animal Control will use donations from the 'Trashed Panda' campaign to purchase body cameras and improve shelter facilities.
By Jasmine Carter ·
A campaign tied to a single drunk raccoon has raised $250,000 for Hanover County Animal Control. The funds will cover more than half the cost of a new body camera system for animal protection officers. The money also supports various improvements to the local shelter.
The campaign began roughly a year ago after the raccoon was captured inside a Virginia ABC store in Hanover, Virginia. Since then, the department has generated approximately $280,000 through the sale of shirts linked to the incident. Jeffrey Parker, the chief of animal protection for Hanover County, described his initial reaction to the fundraising total as shock followed by gratitude. "It was just remarkable the amount of feedback that came with it," Parker said. "I think a lot of people can relate to it as well. But it has just been remarkable."
Parker stated that the department had considered acquiring body cameras for several years but lacked the funding. The viral nature of the raccoon incident accelerated the process. "This raccoon just helped us a little bit faster," Parker said. The cameras are intended to enhance officer safety, ensure transparency, and provide documentation for court proceedings. Parker noted that the department previously relied on the sheriff's office for body cam footage. "So now we can do that on our own," he explained.
The equipment will also help resolve complaints about staff members and increase the accuracy of reports. "That way we don’t possibly discipline good officers," Parker said. The initial start date for officers to wear the cameras is Jan. 4, 2027. Officers will undergo training over the next two months to prepare for the rollout. The 'Trashed Panda' funding will pay for all equipment and service for the first year. The county budget will cover service costs for years two through five.
Beyond the cameras, the shelter is allocating the remaining funds to new animal housing, toys, and a temperature-controlled food shed. A community and pet pantry is also being funded. Parker said the department is gathering more projects for the leftover cash. "Our goal is to use all the money for the animals in the department," he said. The department has not yet located the raccoon that started the campaign. "No telling where he’s at," Parker said. "Hopefully he’s living a good life, not doing any kind of more breaking and entering businesses and all that, and living a good life, we hope. A sober one."
