Update on criminal investigation into fatal dog attack
The Calgary Police Service is sharing an update into the tragic, fatal dog attack that took the life of an 86-year-old woman earlier this year.
At approximately 2 p.m., on Sunday, June 5, 2022, emergency responders attended the 1500 block of 21 Avenue N.W., for reports of a woman being attacked by three dogs. EMS transported the woman to hospital in life-threatening condition, but sadly she died a short time later.
After speaking to several witnesses, conducting a criminal investigation and consulting with two Crown Prosecutors, it was determined that the necessary elements to support laying charges for criminal negligence causing death against the owners of the dogs, were not met in relation to this incident.
“As tragic as this incident is for those who knew the victim, as well as the community, laying criminal charges require that elements specified within the Criminal Code of Canada have been met,” says Staff Sgt. Travis Baker of the Calgary Police Service General Investigations Unit.
“During our investigation, we found the owners of the dogs took reasonable precautions in securing the animals within their property by using a locked gate. There is no way to prove the owners had knowledge the dogs would escape, as they had no history of previously escaping from this residence. In addition, there was no sign of malicious intent on behalf of the dog owners.
“Our investigators also spoke to several witnesses in the neighbourhood, and their interactions with the dogs have been positive. There has been no history of any of the three dogs attacking a person.
“In this incident, the Crown Prosecutor’s office agreed with our assessment that the elements in this case were not met, and therefore, we are unable to lay criminal charges.”
We appreciate this outcome may be disappointing to the public given there was a life lost. We want to express our condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
As the incident does not involve criminal charges, no further information is available.
Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw charges
In July 2022, the owners of the three dogs involved in the attack were jointly charged with the following under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw:
· Three offenses under Section 22(9) of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw for an animal attack on a person causing severe injury.
· Three offenses under Section 22(6) of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw for an animal attack to a person.
· Three offenses under Section 22(5) of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw for an animal bite to a person.
· Three offenses under Section 11(1) of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw for an animal running at large.
Investigation into fraud charges
We are currently investigating allegations of fraud in relation to a GoFundMe page that was created to raise funds to cover funeral expenses for the victim.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
CA22224426/5151