Ruby's death leads to animal abuse charges
Three people are facing multiple animal abuse charges in connection to what the Calgary Humane Society called "one of the worst cases of neglect" it had ever seen.
A Good Samaritan found a badly injured white bulldog-cross wandering around a strip mall in Ogden in September 2014.
The dog was brought to an emergency veterinary clinic in northwest Calgary with large facial and hind wounds, severe emaciation and infections in her eyes and ears. The emergency staff named the dog Ruby.
Despite the effort of the Calgary Humane Society veterinarians, Ruby died a week later while in surgery to repair one of her most severe injuries.
The society appealed to the public for help in finding the dog's owners and, after an investigation, a search warrant was executed at an address of interest on Feb. 27.
Authorities seized 11 animals at the home because of varying levels of neglect.
Three people are now facing charges under the Animal Protection Act and Criminal Code in connection to Ruby and the other rescued animals.
One of the accused has previous convictions under the Animal Protection Act.
"Ruby was an exceptionally sweet dog whose tail wagged to the very end, despite the pain that she was suffering," said Brad Nichols, senior manager of cruelty investigations at the Calgary Humane Society.
Nichols said the investigation was a collaborative effort between the Calgary Humane Society and the Calgary Police Service.
"It is satisfying to see a conclusion to this investigation, which sees those responsible for Ruby's severe neglect held accountable," Nichols said.
The humane society said it is grateful to the Calgary resident who helped the investigation by providing information.
The three are set to appear in court on March 31.
