Achi news desk-
WARNING: The details in this story are graphic. Discretion is advised.
A man has been fined and banned from owning a pet for 15 years after his dog attacked and killed an 86-year-old neighbor in Calgary.
Betty Ann Williams was mauled in an alley on June 5, 2022, after Denis Bagaric’s three pit bulls escaped from her fenced and gated backyard.
Bagaric earlier pleaded guilty to two city bylaw charges: animal attacking a person causing serious injury and animals running at large.
“I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the three dogs were involved in the attack. The three Ms. surrounded. Williams before pleading for help, which made it even more difficult for her to escape the situation,” said Justice Gord Wong in the provincial court on Monday.
“It doesn’t get any more serious.”
Bagaric and his lawyer argued that only one of the three Staffordshire American dogs was involved in the attack.
The judge drew attention to evidence from her neighbor Nicola Opsal, who went to investigate when she heard dogs snarling in the lane.
“She saw the three dogs over a body. He said the dogs attacked the person’s head. He said they chewed on the head,” Wong said.
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“There were significant injuries to the head and neck of Ms. Williams. The dogs were caught.”
Wong imposed $18,000 in fines and a victim surcharge.
“I have no information about how the dogs escaped from the backyard. I have no information as to how the dogs would normally be secured. These are clearly powerful animals that need to be under control at all times,” said the judge.
One of the dogs has been euthanized and the fate of the others is before a different court.
“Not taking any action to euthanize all three at once is irresponsible. (Bagaric) his own wishes for the safety of the community,” Wong said.
The judge also granted an application by the Crown to ban Bagaric from owning a pet for 15 years.
“Defence counsel suggests that the accused is a responsible pet owner. I disagree with that characterization,” Wong said.
“To be honest, I would have considered a longer-term ban if someone had asked for it.”
Bargaric and his lawyers left the court when asked for comment.
“My lawyers said I can’t talk,” Bagaric said as he walked quickly down the street. “It’s a very sad situation.”
An independent review was carried out into the attack because it took 30 minutes for paramedics to respond to Williams’ treatment.
The Alberta Health Quality Council report said the initial 911 call was incorrectly coded to indicate the attack was not life-threatening, resulting in the response time being twice as long as it should have been.
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
