SOURCE: Fox 4 News, Dallas

Monday, December 3, 2007
By Lynn Kawano

Police Officer Catches Runaway Kangaroo With Bare Hands

Lewisville Police Officer Scott Hayney has responded to strange calls before, but never a call like the one he had on Sunday afternoon.

"It's usually loose livestock, cows, emus, ostriches, llamas, but never a kangaroo," Haney said.

The kangaroo came from Dr. Kyle Jones' yard. The veterinarian has been fostering the injured animal because it needed medical attention.

The young kangaroo's, named Maynard, normally wears diapers. It usually stays in a pen at Dr. Jones' practice, the South Ridge Animal Clinic in Denton, where it is allowed to explore. But on Sunday, Dr. Jones took Maynard home to graze in the backyard. Maynard had other ideas.

"Sunday was a really windy day, and we were busy putting up Christmas lights," recalled Dr. Jones as Maynard squirmed in his arms. "I guess the wind blew the gate open, and he and my golden retriever went on an adventure."

Maynard was footloose and fancy free in the upscale suburb for a good 20 minutes. He artfully dodged police in squad cars, on motorcycles and on foot. Finally, he ended up in a backyard where Officer Hayney managed walk right up to him.

"He was very close to me and I didn't know what to do. I have never wrestled a kangaroo before," Hayney remembered with a smile. "I could hear the owner say, 'Reach down and grab him by his tail.' He didn't try to resist or anything."

Maynard's owner is looking for a new home for the exotic animal. Obviously, Maynard needs a little room to roam, and a good tall fence to keep him safe.