Woman accused of stabbing dog wants pet back
Canadian Press
Published: Saturday, March 18, 2006
EDMONTON (CP) -- A judge has delayed his decision on whether to return a German shepherd to the woman accused of stabbing the dog with a butcher knife.

Amaulaq Satta-Shearer, who has been charged with injuring or endangering an animal, applied this week to regain custody of her pet, Kimitsiq, who had been seized under the Animal Protection Act.

Satta-Shearer's lawyer, who goes only by the name Kiviaq, said his client was very disappointed not to get visitation rights.

On Friday, Court of Queen's Bench Justice Sheila Greckol ordered a psychiatrist to examine Satta-Shearer and assess whether she would be a danger to the animal.

"That will be a great assistance to the court" in making a decision on the custody of the dog, Greckol said.

The judge also ruled in favour of the Edmonton Humane Society, which had opposed the woman's petition to be allowed to visit the dog, who is now recovering in foster care.

Carly Grandysh, a humane society special constable, said it appears from a visual inspection that Kimitsiq, who is 10 years old, has testicular cancer.

The society's veterinarian will now perform a biopsy, get him neutered and prolong his life.

Kimitsiq is living in a foster home in a rural setting. Grandysh said he is "chasing squirrels and rabbits and living out his life."

She said she is happy the dog -- which has few permanent effects from the two stab wounds other than an ear that doesn't move -- remains in custody of the humane society.

Kiviaq said his client, who recently moved to Edmonton from the Arctic to work for the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, has had the dog since he was a puppy.

He said she blacked out on the night the dog was stabbed, and it could have been related to a combination of medication and liquor.

Satta-Shearer appears in court on the endangerment charge on April 5.

Greckol is to issue her ruling on May 16.