Two dogs found dead were starved, neglected: Calgary Humane Society

What happened to two dogs found dead and dumped in the city’s southeast is now the focus of a Calgary Humane Society animal cruelty investigation.

The society says it was notified more than a week after a woman discovered the dogs off a path near the Graves Bridge on May 7.

One dog appears to be a golden retriever, and the other a collie terrier mix. Based on the condition of the dogs, there was concern about abuse or neglect.

Now, according to Sgt. Jill Gibson with the Calgary Humane Society, the bodies showed clear signs of neglect.

“Once we were aware of the situation, we started our investigation, got the dogs into our custody and then arranged for them to have a forensic exam,” she told 660 NewsRadio.

“Based on the recent exam of those dogs, we were able to determine that one of them was starved to death and that both of them were victims of pretty significant neglect.”

Gibson adds that if they can find those responsible, charges could be laid.

“If we do find someone responsible, our main priority is to charge under the Animal Protection Act and or the Criminal Code of Canada,” she said.

The dogs are believed to be a golden retriever and collie terrier mix.

Gibson says the reason the Calgary Humane Society was told about the situation eight days after the discovery was that the city got the first call.

She adds it’s best for Calgarians to contact the humane society or the police, as they can immediately begin investigating.

“Even if you’re not sure what the animal is specifically, even if you don’t know what breed — what species — it always is best to call into the Calgary Humane Society and we can investigate if we determine that it’s not abuse or cruelty related or if it is a species that we’re not going to deal with, we can still pass that along to the right people,” Gibson said.

In the meantime, an investigation is ongoing, and she is asking for the public’s help.

When asked on Friday why there was an eight-day delay in collecting the dogs, the city initially didn’t provide an answer.

The city sent a statement three days later saying that details are being reviewed as they become available and that incidents involving animals on or near roadways are taken seriously.

“The City responds to approximately 5,500 animal-related removal service requests each year and works as quickly as possible to address public safety concerns on roadways. We continue to work with partner agencies to support a safe and appropriate response in these situations,” the statement reads.

Anyone with information is asked to reach out, which can be done online here.

With files from Arielle O’Shea