Two Calgary dog owners have been charged in connection with a fatal dog attack on June 5.
Calgary Community Standards filed the charges under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
On June 5, emergency first responders attended a scene in the 1500 block of 21 Avenue after reports of an 86-year-old woman being attacked by dogs. EMS took the woman to hospital where she later died.
The three dogs involved in the attack were seized. They’re currently the subject of a Dangerous Dog court application that could lead to them being euthanized.
Denis Bagaric and Talyn Calkins have both been charged.
- 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.
According to a city release, each offense carries a maximum penalty of $10,000. If there’s a default of payment, there could be six-month 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.
Bylaw investigation
According to Chief Pleckaitis, the two charged were not previously known to Calgary Bylaw Services.
They have, however, declined to surrender the dogs to the city.
“This is why we’ve made an application to the Court of Queen’s Bench under the Dangerous Dogs Act to be able to resolve the issue with the dogs,” Pleckaitis said.
“We’re seeking to have them humanely euthanized because we believe that they pose a significant risk to public safety.”
For now, Pleckaitis said that the dogs are still being held by the city. They are receiving “enrichment” but it’s been a challenge due to safety issues, he said.
The dogs have been examined by a veterinarian and Pleckaitis didn’t indicate any medical issues.
For the purpose of the RPO infractions, Pleckaitis said they needed to establish that the dogs got out – which they did. Further, the bites in the attack did cause a serious injury, he said.
