Ambulance response time to fatal dog mauling about 30 minutes: AHS
It took about 30 minutes for an ambulance to respond to a fatal dog attack in northwest Calgary over the weekend due to a high number of calls at the time, officials said on Monday.
Few other details were released by the Calgary Police Service and Calgary Bylaw Department on the death of an 86-year-old woman on Sunday — whose first name is Betty — and how she was fatally attacked by three aggressive dogs.
“We can share that the animals have been seized, and there is no current community safety risk,” said Kaila Lagran, a spokesperson for the city.
“At this time, a criminal investigation is underway and we are unable to provide further details, as this would compromise the integrity of the investigation.”
The city later said in a statement issued Monday afternoon the three dogs are believed to be a North American pitbull terrier mix, a North American Staffordshire mix and an American pitbull, which were seized by bylaw officers.
"This was an extremely tragic event that resulted in the death of an innocent woman," said Det. Kerry Parsons.
"Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim, as we continue to investigate this incident."
Police were called to the 1500 block of 21st Ave N.W. around 2 p.m. Sunday following a reported dog attack.
There, first responders discovered Betty in critical condition. She later died while being transported to hospital, according to friends.
Alberta Health Services said in a statement on Monday to took 30 minutes for an ambulance to respond to the scene.
"This is longer than we expect, and is outside of our target response times," it read.
"EMS was challenged with extremely high volume at the time of this incident, meaning there were no ambulances immediately available. We are grateful to the paramedics who treated the patient at the scene, as well as first responder partners at the Calgary Fire Department, and the Calgary Police Department."
Foothills Animal Hospital owner Dr. Miranda Logan, an Okotoks veterinarian and animal behavioural consultant, says there are many unanswered questions as to why the dogs may have attacked the woman.
“Fear? Did something scare one of them,” said Logan.
“Territorial? Good chances are that might be part of what's going on.”
Logan says dog attacks like this are extremely rare and without knowing key details of the dogs' history, mental health could be a factor.
“We also have genetics. What were they trained for? What were they used for? We've got the epigenetics. So stuff that happens to the mother while the pups are in utero has effects on their mental health down the road,” said Logan.
“A normal dog will not be triggered by someone gardening or just walking into the neighborhood. So there's some high arousals going on. There's likely the fear or territorial aspect to it.”
For Logan, she does not believe dogs have a pack mentality.
“There is no pack mentality, it is more as a family group, what are we doing?” said Logan.
“Were (they) fighting over a toy or a valued bone.”
According to police, the investigation could result in criminal charges or fines, while the dogs could be euthanized.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.