WARNING – This story contains content that may be disturbing to some viewers
CALGARY- The Calgary man accused in a shocking pair of animal abuse incidents has pleaded guilty to two animal cruelty charges for torturing and killing a dog and cat.
In January, the bodies of both a dog and a cat were discovered in southeast alleyways in separate incidents, sparking a massive public effort to find the person responsible. The dog had starved to death and was found with its mouth taped shut while the cat was found with a string around its neck.
Graphic details were read in court Friday about what Nicolino Camardi did to the two animals. Global News has decided to report some of the details in order to shed light on the nature of the crime as well as explain why prosecutors are seeking a lengthy prison sentence.
In an agreed statement of facts, Camardi said he would tie up a Siberian husky named Shadow with the leash tethered so high that the dog couldn’t lie down. He would then punch the dog, shove feces in its nose, and urinate on its head. A few days before the dog died, Camardi taped his mouth shut with medical tape and later dumped the dog in a nearby alley.
Camardi and his girlfriend bought the dog as well as a cat named One Tooth online and brought them home to live with the couple and his mother. According to Camardi, the couple were both addicted to crack cocaine and didn’t spend money on dog food. Court heard Camardi’s girlfriend would occasionally give the dog fruits and vegetables or canned beans but the dog was slowly starving.
The case has been followed closely by animal rights advocates, including the DAISY Foundation , an animal advocacy group lobbying for tougher criminal sentences for animal abusers.
“Hearing the details of how that dog and that cat suffered, I don’t think there was a dry eye in any of us,” said Heather Anderson. “Me, who you would think by now would be immune to this, I can’t believe what he did.”
The cat suffered similar abuse at the hands of the 19-year-old. Camardi admitted to kicking the cat in the face as well as putting her in a bag, throwing it in the air, and letting it hit the floor. The cat suffered numerous traumatic injuries to her head, tail, and legs. Camardi later strangled One Tooth with a string and then dumped her body in an alley.
“I believe there is a risk to the public,” said Anderson. “This guy needs to have the keys thrown away cause he’s a sick person.”
Alberta Justice is seeking a penitentiary sentence and wants a psychiatric assessment done.
The defence argues Camardi has already served seven months in jail and should be released.
Camardi’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
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