Nicolino Camardi should get 3 years in animal abuse case, says Crown
CBC News | Posted: March 24, 2015 2:38 AM | Last Updated: March 24, 2015
Calgary man pleaded guilty to 2 counts of animal cruelty in deaths of husky, kitten last year
The Crown wants a prison sentence of up to three years for a Calgary man who taped the mouths of a dog and cat shut and left them to die.
Nicolino Camardi pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty in the animal abuse case. Crown prosecutor Gord Haight says it doesn't matter that Camardi was a drug user and alcohol abuser when he tortured a two-year-old Husky and a nine-month-old kitten.
"There's a danger that if that sentence is not given there's a chance that that could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice," Haight said.
Camardi abused the animals over a period of two to three months. He got them from a family who was giving them away on Kijiji.
The dog was found last year starved with tape around its muzzle in a southeast alley. The cat was found a week later in the same area with green painter's tape covering most of its face.
Judge will rule Friday
Camardi's lawyer is asking for leniency.
Jack Kelly says Camardi was only 18 and was using a "stunning" amount of prescription and illicit drugs and was abusing alcohol at the time of the offences.
He says Camardi should be sentenced to 18 months in jail, but with credit for time served the sentence would only be three months.
Camardi told the court he's sorry for his actions and believes he can change if he hangs out with the right people and stays sober.
But animal rights activist Heather Anderson says the apology wasn't sincere.
"I really don't buy the drugs and alcohol and he's going to be a better man, and this person needs more than a slap on the wrist," she said.
The Crown and defence did agree that Camardi should be given the maximum period of probation. The judge says he needs time to consider the sentence and will read his decision Friday.