Edmonton – The man accused of killing Edmonton Police Service (EPS) dog Quanto appeared in court Tuesday morning.
Paul Vukmanich had the option of having a bail hearing Tuesday, but he informed the judge he still doesn’t have a lawyer.
The accused says he has contacted Legal Aid.
The case has been put over until October 23 for a possible bail hearing.
“Of course, we’re taking it very seriously as you can tell. In the court room, we had several police officers,” says Crown Prosecutor Christian Lim.
On Monday, October 7th, Quanto was stabbed, allegedly during an altercation with Vukmanich in the area of 109 Street and 111 Avenue.
Officers believed the 27-year-old Vukmanich was driving a vehicle with a stolen plate. After a short chase, Vukmanich took off on foot. Quanto was deployed by his handler Cst. Matt Williamson.
Police say the suspect repeatedly stabbed Quanto when he was caught by the police dog.
Vukmanich is facing a number of charges, including Cruelty to an Animal.
There is no specific charge in the criminal code for killing a police service animal. Police want that to change.
“At this time, the legislation just reflects the cruelty to animals charge. It’s been our intent to have that changed. Again, that’s an amendment to the criminal code so that will take some time,” says Staff Sgt. Troy Carriere, Edmonton Police Service.
The EPS tells Global News Carriere and Williamson are in Ottawa on Tuesday after receiving a direct invitation from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Crown Prosecutor Lim says he would like to see the law evolve when it comes to animal cruelty.
“We’re trying to look at the law and not only develop it but also realize how serious it is because animal abuse, animal cruelty, has a huge correlation with other crimes and offences that affect our public and our safety.”
Vukmanich was originally scheduled to appear in court last week, but that appearance was put over after he was allegedly involved in an incident at the Remand Centre.
Global News has learned the EPS is not planning a memorial for Quanto but is planning a public appreciation and educational event. No other details have been released about the possible event.
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