AUSTRALIA – The story of Bailey the security dog who bravely scaring away seagulls from Sydney’s Maritime Museum led to great interest across the city.
However, in one corner of Redfern, Troop Cat Ed was unfazed
Ginger Ed fearlessly keeps the stables of Sydney’s Mounted Police Force completely free of rats and mice.
He even has his own police uniform!
“We decided we needed a cat to assist us with our rodent control,” Sergeant Kylie Riddell said to 702 ABC Sydney’s Robbie Buck, as he ventured beyond the iron gates separating Ed and his colleagues from the city.
Troop Cat Ed is a beloved member of the team.
Supplied: NSW Police
Ed had recently been adopted by the friend of an officer and was in the market for a permanent place to crash.
“We have troop horses here so we thought why not have a troop cat?” Sergeant Riddell stated.
“He struts through, past all the constables while they’re being given their daily duties.
“After that he patrols the stables while the grooms are mucking out. And usually after that, it’s nap time.”
PHOTO: Sergeant Kylie Riddell helps Robbie Buck during his interview with Troop Cat Ed. (Supplied: NSW Police)
Unfortunately for Buck, Ed proved quite difficult to pin down for the elusive interview.
And so, the hunter became the hunted.
“Usually the feed shed is the first place I look for him, he likes to sleep on the straw,” Sergeant Riddell stated.
“His favorite spot is on the forklift seat.”
PHOTO: Troop Cat Ed has a fondness for the chair of the stables forklift but does not drive it, colleagues say. (Supplied: NSW Police )
Eventually, Ed was located by Sergeant Riddell amid all of the straw and horse feed.
There was one friendly meow, before he scurried off, back to his duties — sleep.
“I don’t think he liked being woken up from his mid-morning nap,” Sergeant Riddel stated.
