Calgary, AB — On September 5, 2014, a severely neglected and injured bully breed dog was brought to a local emergency veterinary clinic. The young, female dog suffered from facial and body wounds, emaciation, eye and ear infections and chronic internal infection. Clinic staff affectionately named her “Ruby”. Sadly, despite the unflagging efforts of Calgary Humane Society (CHS) veterinarians, Ruby succumbed to her multitude of injuries during surgery. With no permanent identification, investigators sought help from the public to identify the dog and her owner(s). Public tips and further investigation resulted in a search warrant being executed on an address of interest where eleven animals were seized due to varying levels of neglect.
On February 27, 2015, several individuals were charged pursuant to the Animal Protection Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. Janice Piper, Michelle Caswell and Jamie O’Leary, all 
face several charges. Piper and O’Leary were both charged under the Criminal Code, with respect to four animals, including Ruby’s case. Michelle Caswell was charged with 5 counts under the Animal Protection Act, with respect to 7 animals. O’Leary was previously charged and convicted with an Animal Protection Act offense. All three will appear in court March 31, 2015.
Brad Nichols, Senior Manager, Cruelty Investigations said “It is satisfying to see a conclusion to this investigation which sees those responsible for Ruby’s severe neglect held accountable. This was one of the worst cases of neglect we have seen, in that Ruby was suffering from so many serious issues. Ruby was an exceptionally sweet dog whose tail wagged to the very end, despite the pain that she was suffering. This case was a truly collaborative effort between Calgary Humane Society’s Protection and Investigations department and Calgary Police Service. The strength of this relationship makes Calgary the wrong place to practice cruelty to animals. CHS is also grateful to the members of our community who assisted in the investigation by providing information leading to the charges.”
Source Calgary Humane Society