No criminal charges are being laid in the June 2022 dog mauling in Calgary's Northwest that ended in the tragic death of an 86-year-old Calgary woman.

According to the Calgary Police Service, after speaking to several witnesses, conducting a criminal investigation and consulting with two Crown Prosecutors, it was determined that the necessary elements to support laying charges for criminal negligence causing death against the owners of the dogs, were not met. However, the owners of the three dogs were charged under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw with numerous offences. 

“As tragic as this incident is for those who knew the victim, as well as the community, laying criminal charges requires that elements specified within the Criminal Code of Canada have been met,” says Staff Sargeant Travis Baker of the Calgary Police Service General Investigations Unit.

Baker said that during the investigation it was found that the owners of the dogs took reasonable precautions in securing the animals within their property by using a locked gate.

"There is no way to prove the owners had knowledge the dogs would escape, as they had no history of previously escaping from this residence. In addition, there was no sign of malicious intent on behalf of the dog owners. 

Four months ago, on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at approximately 2 p.m., emergency responders attended the 1500 block of 21 Avenue N.W., for reports of a woman being attacked by three dogs. EMS transported the woman to the hospital in life-threatening condition, but sadly she died a short time later. The Calgary police said that while they appreciate the fact that the outcome may be disappointing to the public given there was a life lost, they wanted to express their condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

The 86-year-old woman who was later identified as Betty Ann “Rusty” Williams settled in Calgary after she joined the Canadian Air Force. According to her obituary, she was a long-time employee at Grand and Toy, she retired to spend time tending to her garden.

Police added that they are continuing to investigate allegations of fraud in relation to a GoFundMe page that was created to raise funds to cover funeral expenses for the victim, though because the investigation is ongoing no further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-8477

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