Ruby's death leads to animal abuse charges

Three people are facing multiple animal abuse charges in connection to what theCalgary Humane Society called "one of the worst cases of neglect" ithad ever seen.

A Good Samaritan found a badly injured white bulldog-cross wandering around a strip mall in Ogden in September 2014.

• Ruby the dog's death from severe injuries prompts humane society investigation

The dog was brought to an emergency veterinary clinic in northwest Calgary with large facial and hind wounds, severe emaciation and infections in hereyes and ears.The emergency staff named the dog Ruby.

Despite the effort of the Calgary Humane Society veterinarians, Ruby died a week later while in surgery to repair one of her most severe injuries.

The society appealed to the public for help in finding the dog's owners and, after an investigation, a search warrant was executed at an address of interest on Feb. 27.

Authorities seized 11 animals at the homebecause of varying levels of neglect.

Three people are now facingcharges underthe Animal Protection Act andCriminal Codein connection to Ruby and the other rescuedanimals.

One of the accusedhasprevious convictions under the Animal ProtectionAct.

"Ruby was an exceptionally sweet dog whose tail wagged to the very end, despite the pain that she was suffering," said Brad Nichols, senior manager ofcruelty investigations at the Calgary Humane Society.

Nichols said the investigation was a collaborative effort between the Calgary Humane Societyand the Calgary Police Service.

"It is satisfying to see a conclusion to this investigation, which sees those responsible for Ruby's severe neglect held accountable," Nichols said.

The humane society said it is grateful to the Calgary resident who helpedthe investigation by providing information.

The three are set to appear in court on March 31.