Charges laid after husky, cat found dead and muzzled in Willow Park alley

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CALGARY – Charges have been laid in a shocking case of animal cruelty that sparked outrage across the city.

An emaciated Siberian Husky was found dead in an alley in the 200 block of 99 Ave S.E. on January 9^th. The dog’s muzzle was taped shut with medical tape.

A week later, while Global News crews were investigating, they came across another disturbing discovery; a dead cat with its mouth muzzled, about 10 meters from where the husky was found.

On Monday, the Calgary Humane Society announced that after a lengthy investigation, 19-year-old Nicolino Ivano Camardi had been charged with two counts of willfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal.

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Officials say a necropsy completed on the two animals found the Husky had died from starvation after being chronically malnourished.

The veterinarian also determined the cause of death for the cat was asphyxia due to ligature strangulation, following the infliction of multiple traumatic injuries to the head, tail and hind limbs.

Officials say the animals are believed to have become in Camardi’s possession through Kijiji. They describe the suspect as “methodical and cruel”.

“Yes it did take four months, but at the end of the day, we were thorough and we’re happy with the package that we were able to put together,” says Brad Nichols from the Calgary Humane Society. “Ultimately, I think we have a solid case for conviction.”

A second cat, thought to be a family pet, was found in Camardi’s house and has been seized by the Humane Society.

After news of the animals deaths emerged, a fundraising page was set up in hopes a reward would lead to tips in the case.

Officials say that money may be paid out, or may be given to the Humane Society.

“For us, whether the reward gets paid out to an individual or it goes to the Humane Society, at the end of the day the result is what we want,” explains says Greg Habstritt, Vets to Go. “I think that’s what pet lovers and animal lovers everywhere were looking for, is some kind of closure, and somebody held to justice for this.”

“We’re ecstatic, and this now allows us to move on to the next stop of determining ultimately how the funds are going to be best used,” adds Habstritt.

Camardi appeared in court on Monday.