Edmonton Duo Accused of Dog Abuse and Killing No Longer Facing Charges

Prosecutors have halted an animal cruelty case in Edmonton due to insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Steven Kuzyk and Sharon Vert were charged with a total of seven offences after two incidents of animal abuse were brought to light. In the first incident, a suspect was seen on video surveillance dragging a deceased dog in Kittlitz Park, while in the second they were accused of abusing a puppy at their Meadowbrook home. The case was due to go to trial at the Alberta Court of Justice.

However, proceedings were stayed by the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, which stated there was no longer a “reasonable likelihood” of the defendants being found guilty. This decision followed the defense providing additional information about the accused’s whereabouts at the time of the incidents.

The first instance of animal abuse was allegedly recorded on December 26, 2022, when security footage captured a suspect dragging a dead dog and leaving its body in Kittlitz Park. The three-year-old German shepherd-pit bull cross was discovered by residents with its paws bound, leading to a public appeal for information. The second alleged incident involved reports of abuse against a four-month-old German shepherd mix in Meadowbrook in January 2023.

The defense lawyers for the accused believe that information provided to the Crown, including alibis and third-party suspect details, led to the decision to stay proceedings. Stacey Purser, representing Kuzyk, stated that it appeared that the two defendants were not responsible. Matthew Pagels, representing Vert, highlighted that she had always maintained her innocence and loved her dog.

The Crown has not provided specific reasons for staying the charges, as per standard practice. However, they have the option to resume proceedings within a year if new evidence comes to light. Both Pagels and Purser have noted the emotional toll the accusations have taken on their clients.