Achi news desk-
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and killed a woman in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within a year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
Denis Bagaric hung his head as Judge Gordon Wong delivered the sentence.
“(Bagaric) He puts his own wishes for the safety of the community. It’s not a responsible pet owner,” Wong said.
In February, Bagaric agreed to have one of his pets euthanized and pleaded guilty to two out of 12 bylaw charges in relation to the death of 86-year-old Betty Ann Williams.
“He hopes that the other two dogs will be returned knowing that they are a danger to the community. Not taking any steps to euthanize all three at once is irresponsible,” Wong said.
The fate of the other two dogs will be decided by another court later.
On June 5, 2022, Bagaric’s American Staffordshires – Bossii, Cinnamon and Smoki – were in the back yard of his property on 21 Avenue NW, when the dogs broke free from the fenced and gated back yard into the lane where Williams was gardening.
According to an agreed statement of facts, the animals “were not leased or under Mr. Bagaric when they broke free.”
Smoki, one of the three dogs seized, caused serious injury to Williams, so Bagaric agreed to officially approve the euthanization of that dog. It was held immediately after the February trial at the City of Calgary Animal Services shelter.
Bagaric pleaded guilty to one count of animal attacking a person causing serious injury and one count of animals running at large.
The other charges under the responsible pet ownership bylaw were withdrawn and all charges against his partner, Taylor Calking, were dropped.
No criminal charges were laid against Bagaric or Calkins.
Benedict Leung, Crown prosecutor representing the City of Calgary, argued in court that the three dogs were involved in the attack, pointing to evidence of blood found on each of their chests and muzzles.
Wong said in court, “whether she was attacked by three dogs or just one, this is as serious as it gets.”
Leung sought a $15,000 fine and a ban against Bagaric from owning animals for 10 to 15 years.
Defense counsel Rabie Ahmed had no problems with the fine, but disagreed with the ban on pet ownership.
Another judge will determine the fate of the other two dogs. The city will be in court in May to discuss what will happen with Bossii and Cinnamon.
