Elderly woman dead after dog attack in northwest Calgary

An woman in her 80s has died after she was attacked by three dogs in the northwest Calgary community of Capitol Hill on Sunday.

Police say the woman was gardening in an alleyway next to her home at around 2 p.m. when she was attacked by the dogs that appeared to have escaped from a neighbour’s property.

Police say nearby neighbours, including the owner of the dogs, tried to intervene, and the owner managed to pull the dogs away before emergency crews arrived.

Officers say the dogs’ owner is cooperating with the investigation, and the three dogs are believed to be a North American Pitbull terrier mix, a North American Staffordshire mix and an American Pitbull.

People who live in the area say they have seen the owner go out for walks with the dogs several times a day, but the dogs have always been wearing muzzles.

The woman was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition, where she later died of her injuries.

Neighbours that spoke with CityNews say they are devastated. They say their community is not only family friendly, but pet friendly as well, and people regularly leave water bowls out for dogs on walks.

Calgary Community Standards officers have taken the three dogs involved in the attack and will continue to hold the animals while the investigation is ongoing.

“This was an extremely tragic event that resulted in the death of an innocent woman,” Detective Kerry Parsons, with the Calgary Police Service said. “Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim, as we continue to investigate this incident.”

Police say depending on the findings of their investigation the owner could be charged with negligence causing death, and the dogs could be euthanized.

Anyone with information about this investigation can call police at their non-emergency number 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.