- Betty Ann Williams was attacked while gardening in June 2022 in Calgary.
- Pit bull enthusiast Denis Bagaric pleaded guilty and was sentenced Monday
An unrepentant pit bull owner was seen smiling after he was released with a light punishment after his three dogs mauled an 83-year-old woman to death in Canada.
Betty Ann Williams, known as Rusty, was attacked by her neighbor’s pit bulls while gardening outside her home in June 2022 in Calgary.
Denis Bagaric, a pit bull enthusiast, pleaded guilty in February to allowing an animal to attack and injure a person and allowing dogs to run loose, the court reported. CBC.
On Monday he was fined $18,000 and banned from owning animals for 15 years.
Bagaric’s three pit bulls, Bossii, Cinnamon and Smoki, escaped from their fenced yard the day Williams was killed.
Pit bull enthusiast Denis Bagaric pleaded guilty in February to allowing an animal to attack and injure a person and allowing dogs to run loose.
Betty Ann Williams, known as Rusty, was attacked by her neighbor’s pit bulls while gardening outside her home in June 2022 in Calgary.
A neighbor testified in court that he heard Williams calling for help and saw three dogs attacking her in the head and neck.
The neighbor also saw Bagaric try to chase the dogs away and return them to his yard.
Bagaric has claimed that only one of the dogs, Smoki, was involved in the attack and consented to the pit bull being euthanized.
However, Judge Gordon Wong said: “The three surrounded Ms Williams before she called for help, which made escaping the situation even more difficult.”
Wong did not order the two dogs to be euthanized, but separate proceedings are underway to determine what will happen to them.
He added: “Not taking steps to euthanize the three immediately is irresponsible.” [Bagaric] He puts his own desires before the safety of the community.
Before his sentencing, Bagaric wrote on Facebook: “Sadly, I express my sincerest apologies for the suffering that many have endured.
On Monday he was fined $18,000 and banned from owning animals for 15 years.
Bagaric reshared several old photos of at least five pit bulls on social media.
Bagaric, originally from Croatia, has continued to post about his beloved pit bulls.
‘Despite my reluctance to speak out, AHS has consistently misrepresented me through falsehoods and media manipulation.
‘In an unfair turn of events, my beloved canine companions, who embody the values of love, family and loyalty, have been unfairly deemed ruthless and face the threat of euthanasia. I implore the court to consider truth and justice in this trial tomorrow.’
Leaving court on Monday, Bagaric told the Globe and Mail: “It’s a really sad situation.”
After the sentencing, Bagaric re-shared several old photos of at least five pit bulls on social media.
Bagaric, originally from Croatia, continued to post about his beloved pit bulls on Facebook after Williams’ death, including images of the breed with young children.
One of the posts he shared reads: “In memory of all the pit bulls killed out of ignorance.”
