For the past 18 years, Richard Hyslop has spent time cleaning used and discarded needles off the street and eventually found himself as the founder of Needle Dogs Moncton.
With over 200 volunteers and a team of dogs trained to hunt out drug paraphernalia, Hyslop took over 160 000 needles off the streets in 2020.
However, according to Richard, a lack of funding means this spring could be the last time you see him on the streets.
“It costs money to drive all over town to hunt for needles and drug paraphernalia,” he said.
Hyslop insists he’s not in it for money, in fact, last year, he put $25,000 into the organization and estimates that at least $100,000 has come out of his pocket to help keep the streets clean.
“It’s about how many lives we’ve saved and how many people we’ve saved from going to the hospital,” said Hyslop.
Regular costs that Needle Dogs face include non-stick gloves, vehicle repairs, gas, grippers and amoxicillin kits.
Now, with his whole life invested in the organization, Hyslop is looking for the City of Moncton to help him continue serving the community.
“We have no help and no cooperation whatsoever,” he said.
The former ambulance driver and firefighter stated that he has reached out to members of city council but that their priorities are not in the right place.
The city currently has a partnership with the Needle Awareness volunteer group, funded by an annual Quality of Life grant.
With little hope for a sudden influx of cash, there is potential for the streets to be more dangerous without Needle Dogs.
“If we do have to shut this down hopefully some guys will pick this up otherwise it could be bad for the city,” said Hyslop.
As for the founder, well it may be the last we see of Richard Hyslop for a while.
“If I can’t do this, I will have to go out and live in the country and live with my dogs,” he said.
