Keagan Darcy Stanley of Fort Saskatchewan pleaded guilty in July 2023 to both Animal Protection Act and Criminal Code of Canada charges in relation to the distress of a Shih Tzu named Bella. The charges related to two separate incidents.
In December 2021, Bella was taken to a veterinary clinic suffering from blunt force trauma to the rib cage and head trauma. In February 2022, Bella was once again taken to a veterinary clinic in medical distress. It was determined the dog had suffered scalding to 35% of her body and had choked on an unknown substance. The dog passed away. In both cases, it was determined Keagan Stanley was in care and control of the dog. Stanley was charged by both the Alberta SPCA and the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP for the two incidents.
Stanley was convicted under the Criminal Code 445(1)(a) of wilfully permitting unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal. Stanley was also convicted under the Animal Protection Act 2(1) of permitting an animal to be in distress. Stanley received a sentence of 18 months probation and a fine of $1,000.