Dead dog, cat found muzzled in southeast Calgary alley

UPDATE TO STORY: Accused animal torturer's girlfriend told police he (Nicolino Ivano Camardi) spoke of killing humans, sought protection order


CANADA -- A horrific case of animal abuse is being investigated, involving at least two pets.

The Calgary Humane Society was called in after a dog was found dead in the community of Willow Park. Officials say the emaciated Siberian Husky was discovered in an alley in the 200 block of 99 Ave. S.E. last week.

Its muzzle was taped shut with medical tape, which may have contributed to the death.

“This is a clear case of intentional animal cruelty which would have caused this animal significant suffering,” says Brad Nichols, manager of cruelty investigations at the Calgary Humane Society. “We hope someone is able to identify the dog so that we can ensure accountability for this cruel act and prevent future such acts.”

While Global News crews were in the alley on Thursday investigating the case, they came across another disturbing discovery: a dead cat, also with its mouth muzzled with what appeared to be green painters tape.

“We get calls for dead animals all the time, usually deer, so get to the scene and it had duct tape and was really skinny and looked like he’d been starved to death, that was bizarre,” says City of Calgary worker Virginia Heart. “None of us had seen that before and took it hard. And today I get another call and it’s the same darn thing, but a cat now.”

Anyone who recognizes the animals or has any information about the owner is asked to call the Calgary Humane Society Protection and Investigations department at 403-205-4455.

Local veterinary clinic Vets to Go is also offering $5,000 for information leading to a conviction in the case.

“Like many pet owners and animal lovers, we’re frustrated by watching these abuses cases end up with minor fines and rare jail sentences,” says Greg Habstritt, president of Vets to Go. “Someone who is vicious and troubled enough to do something like this will likely go on to commit more serious offences involving people.

(Global news - Jan 16, 2014)


Jan 20, 2014 Update:
Investigators confirm pets found dead in alley suffered traumatic injuries

A shocking development in a disturbing case of animal cruelty is confirming people’s worst fears: a dog and cat found dead in Willow Park did in fact suffer traumatic injuries.

Last week, an emaciated Husky was discovered dead in a southeast alley. Just days later, a cat whose mouth was muzzled with tape was also found in the same alley. While the cause of death is still not known, it’s clear it was not from natural causes.

“We’re talking healed and fresh fracture wounds, those types of things,” explains Brad Nichols, manager of cruelty investigations with the Calgary Humane Society. His team is now looking into all the tips that have been pouring in about the case.

“If this weren’t going anywhere we wouldn’t be doing anything and we’re still very much active,” Nichols says, adding they suspect whoever owned the animals is responsible.

“If this was somebody’s pet we would have heard from their distraught owner. But it’s tough to say. We haven’t zeroed in on one person, but it is progressing and I am hopeful we get further in the next couple of days.”