Robert Malcom Nicholson charged after dog beaten, stabbed and buried in Renfrew
A Calgary man faces criminal charges after a dog was badly beaten, killed with a knife and then buried in a backyard in Renfrew last week.
Chevy, a border collie-chocolate Labrador cross, was found by his owner Joe Hossay buried in a backyard in the 1400 block of Richland Road N.E. on March 23.
A necropsy done by the Calgary Humane Society revealed the dog had injuries consistent with being beaten, and that the cause of death was a deep cut on its neck.
Robert Malcom Nicholson, 34, has been charged under the Criminal Code with breaking and entering, mischief to property, obstruction of justice, killing an animal without lawful excuse and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
He is also charged under the Alberta Animal Protection Act with causing an animal to be in distress.
Owner feels closer to justice
Hossay says he feels closer to justice after charges were laid today.
"I'm happy people are standing up for a dog," he said. "I know it's just a dog, but it's my family member."
He says Nicholson is a former friend, coworker and roommate. After fighting about money, Hossay says he came home to find his door kicked in and Chevy partially buried in his back yard.
"We had the confrontation right there and then he informed me to deal with my dog," he said. "I looked over my shoulder, saw the dirt was overturned and I just shut down, ran through the house and called the cops."
Nicholson was released on $1,500 bail on Thursday morning on several conditions, including that he stay at a home that he owns in Kelowna, B.C., and not live with animals.
Calgary police confirm they will be in touch with B.C. authorities to make sure he complies with his bail conditions.
Brad Nichols with the Calgary Humane Society assisted police with the investigation.
"Generally speaking with these severe abuse cases you see characteristics like poor anger management, coping skills," he said.
