Update on fatal dog attack: summons issued

Following investigation, Calgary Community Standards has charged two dog-owners in relation to the fatal dog attack that occurred on Sunday, June 5, 2022 under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. The Calgary Police Service continues their investigation into any criminal charges.

On June 5, 2022 emergency responders attended the 1500 block of 21 Avenue N.W., for reports of an 86-year-old woman being attacked by dogs. EMS transported the woman to hospital in life-threatening condition, but unfortunately she died a short time later.

Community peace officers subsequently seized three dogs involved in the attack. The animals continue to be held, pending the outcome of a Dangerous Dog Act application that The City of Calgary submitted to the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta. The application requested that the dogs involved be humanely euthanized.

On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, Denis Bagaric and Talyn Calkins, the owners of the three dogs involved in the attack were jointly charged with the following:

· 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.

All 12 counts result in a mandatory Provincial Court of Alberta appearance. If convicted, each offence carries a maximum penalty of $10,000, and in default of payment of any fine imposed, up to 6 months imprisonment.

“The City of Calgary sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the victim, Mrs. Williams, and we thank everyone who responded to this incident, assisted the victim, and cooperated with the investigation,” said Chief Bylaw Officer, Ryan Pleckaitis.

Aggressive acts are listed under section 22 of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw (47M2021), unless the animal has been declared vicious prior to the act of aggression.

A violation of an animal being at large occurs when the animal is off leash in any part of the city which is not designated as an ‘off leash’ area. Under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, animals must remain in control of the owner and within view.

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