CALGARY – Police have closed their investigation into an alleged case of animal abuse reported in the community of Whitehorn, after finding several inconsistencies with the original complaint.
Alyssa Hatfield and Cameron Edmonds called police on February 7, after Cameron claimed he found his husky cross several blocks from his home, bound and gagged.
He said he found his dog Radar with its paws tied together and its muzzle tied shut, just a few hours after it went missing from his yard.
On Thursday, police announced that after examining the scene and conducting multiple interviews, they would be closing the case.
“We did an area canvas in the area where the dog was found and we talked to the person who found the animal,” explains S/Sgt. Brad Moore. “We found no bindings of any kind, no rope no belts, no nothing in that area.”
In addition, police weren’t able to find any evidence someone had been in the man’s yard.
“There had been a recently fresh snowfall, there had been no footprints in or out of the yard,” explains Moore. “The gate had issues in trying to open.”
“This is a very large dog, so it would take some effort potentially to remove this animal,” he adds.
Investigators will continue to look at other aspects of the case, such as an online fundraising campaign which raised over $1,700.
“The website was opened up for this couple by another person. This person has been very cooperative with Calgary police,” says Moore. “We’re looking at potentially having all the money returned, going forward.”
Anyone who donated through the website is asked to get in touch with Calgary police, or the website its self.
UPDATE: Alyssa Hatfield and Cameron Edmonds have contacted Global News. They deny allegations they made up the story, but say they will return any funds raised to cover vet bills.
The complaint in Whitehorn came a week after the Calgary Humane Society revealed they were investigating the death of a Siberian Husky found in the community of Willow Park. In that instance, the emaciated dog was found dead in an alley with clear medical tape holding its muzzle shut.
That investigation is ongoing.
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