Mean cats, fox on the loose, math problems among calls to Sask. RCMP that 'missed the mark'

Problem cats and help with homework were among several unconventional reasons people in Saskatchewan called the emergency line in 2024.

The items were part of the RCMP's annual lighthearted list of 911 calls that missed the mark.

The Saskatchewan RCMP's Divisional Operational Communications Centre fielded 367,707 calls for service in 2024, ranging from misdials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety, according to the police.

But some were just plain silly.

In one instance, a cat owner called 911 asking for police assistance because their pet "was being mean to them." Another caller asked for help with a math equation. Another dialled 911 to complain they were being forced by their parents to clean their room.

"Our annual list is fun, but it's important to realize that DOCC officers play a really important role during emergencies," Lee Rosin, the recruiter and training facilitator for the divisional communications centre said in a Tuesday press release.

"We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from police. We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them."

Rosin said it's important these lines remain open for those who reach out for help through 911 or 310-RCMP.

Here are 2024's top 10 "missed the mark" calls, according to RCMP, along with their own "punny" headlines:

10. Who are you? "A concerned individual called 911 to advise that they didn't recognize someone on their social media friend list," RCMP said.

9. Spick and span: A "frustrated" caller complained their parents were forcing them to clean their room.

8. Stop stressing meowt: The caller notified police that a fox was "wandering the neighbourhood and scaring a local cat."

7. To bee or not to bee: A caller reported a problem with bees in their home.

6. Tech support: 911 dispatchers got a call from someone asking for help to unlock their cellphone.

5. Litter bug: The caller reported that someone had thrown their ice cream on the ground.

4. Cut the cat-itude: The caller told 911 their cat was being mean to them and asked for an officer to "come and help with the situation," RCMP said.

3. Loads of fun: Another caller reported having trouble with their washing machine.

2. I'm counting on you: 911 got a call from someone asking for help on a math equation, "as they didn't want to fail their test in the morning," RCMP said.

1. Party's over: A 911 caller reported that their tambourine was taken at a party they attended.

Repercussions

The RCMP urge the public to be cognizant of the importance of the emergency and crimes call line. 

"Whether you're frustrated with your washing machine, trying to unlock your phone or suspicious of a fox — calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress," Saskatchewan RCMP said in Tuesday's news release.

There are ramifications for those who misuse 911.

Police say that not only is there a chance of preventing someone facing a life-threatening emergency from getting help, there is also a summary offence charge. Fines go up to $2,000.