Calgary police will not be laying charges for criminal negligence causing death against dog owners Denis Bagaric and Talyn Calkins after their dogs attacked and killed resident Betty Ann Williams. .“As tragic as this incident is for those who knew the victim, as well as the community, laying criminal charges require that elements specified within the Criminal Code of Canada have been met,” said Calgary police Staff Sgt. Travis Baker in a Tuesday press release. .“During our investigation, we found the owners of the dogs took reasonable precautions in securing the animals within their property by using a locked gate.” .Emergency responders were called to 1500 block of 21 Ave. NW after a woman was attacked by three dogs in June. After a lengthy wait for an ambulance to arrive, EMS transported the woman to hospital in life-threatening condition, but she died a short time later. .Community peace officers seized the three dogs involved in the attack. The animals continue to be held, pending the outcome of a Dangerous Dog Act application the City of Calgary submitted to the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. .The release said Calgary police opted not to lay charges after speaking to several witnesses, conducting a criminal investigation, and speaking with two Crown attorneys. .Baker said there was “no way to prove the owners had knowledge the dogs would escape, as they had no history of previously escaping from this residence.” He said there was no evidence of malicious intent on behalf of the dog owners. .Baker went on to say Calgary police spoke to several witnesses in the neighbourhood, and their interactions with the dogs had been positive. He added there had not been any history of any of the three dogs attacking a person. .The release confirmed Calgary police are investigating allegations of fraud in relation to a GoFundMe page created to raise funds to cover funeral expenses for Williams. .This investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time..Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact police by calling (403) 266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477. .The release said Calgary police understand this outcome might be disappointing to the public because a life was lost. It said police express their condolences to Williams’ family and friends. .“In this incident, the Crown Prosecutor’s office agreed with our assessment that the elements in this case were not met, and therefore, we are unable to lay criminal charges,” said Baker. .Bagaric and Calkins were charged under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw over the fatal attack against Williams in July. .READ MORE: Two Calgary residents facing bylaw charges in dog mauling death.“The City of Calgary sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the victim, Mrs. Williams, and we thank everyone who responded to this incident, assisted the victim, and cooperated with the investigation,” said Calgary chief bylaw officer Ryan Pleckaitis. .Pleckaitis said Bagaric and Calkins were charged with three counts of animal attack on a person causing severe injury, three counts of animal attack to a person, three counts of animal bite to a person, and three counts of animal running at large.
