Dog owner showed “wanton disregard” in fatal Edmonton dog attack, judge says

An Edmonton judge says a dog owner convicted of criminal negligence causing death demonstrated a “wanton disregard” for the life of an 11-year-old boy who was fatally attacked by her dogs in 2024.

Court heard that Kache Grist was attacked by two dogs belonging to Crystal MacDonald in April 2024 at an Edmonton home where the boy was visiting his father, who was living with MacDonald at the time.

According to the court ruling, MacDonald testified she did not approve of the child staying at the home. The judge said there were several steps she could have taken to reduce the risk, including keeping the dogs secured in kennels or arranging for the boy to stay elsewhere.

The ruling found MacDonald criminally negligent in connection with the boy’s death. The case highlights how criminal negligence provisions can apply when a person is found to have failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.