Emerson Phillips
An 86-year-old woman died after being attacked by three dogs in the Capitol Hill community of Calgary, Canada. Before first responders had arrived on the scene, neighbors and the owner of the dogs tried to intervene but were unable to stop the attack.
Police said the breeds of the dogs as a North American pitbull-terrier mix, a North American Staffordshire mix and an American pitbull. Authorities added that, apparently, the woman was gardening in a back alley when the dogs escaped from a neighboring property and attacked her.
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“This was an extremely tragic event that resulted in the death of an innocent woman,” said Det. Kerry Parsons, of the CPS’ general investigations unit. “Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim as we continue to investigate this incident.”
Emergency medical services personnel rushed the woman to the hospital. She was in life-threatening condition and she later died from her injuries.
Police said the woman’s identity was not being released at this time.
“When you have a group of dogs together, often they have energy as a group, they feed off each other,” said Barbara Walmer with Good as Gold Dog Training, who is also the former head of the behavior department at the Calgary Humane Society. “We are guessing that’s what happened, but that’s not to say every time a group of dogs get together it’s going to catastrophic.
“Most people wouldn’t feel comfortable living next to a dog that has killed someone,” she said. “Many of these are, unfortunately, euthanized.”
CPS said it will speak to witnesses and work with its partners at Calgary Community Standards to determine potential charges in relation to the case.
“At this time, a criminal investigation is underway and we are unable to provide further details as this would compromise the integrity of the investigation,” a statement from the City of Calgary Bylaw Services read.
“We can share that the animals have been seized, and there is no current community safety risk.”
