Edmonton court hears evidence of prior dog attack at trial over death of 11-year-old boy

An Edmonton court heard testimony Wednesday about a previous violent dog attack involving two Cane Corsos at the centre of a criminal negligence trial tied to the death of an 11-year-old boy.

Shawn Hesse testified that in 2023, his Pomeranian escaped from his property and ran toward the two dogs later involved in the death of Kache Grist. According to Hesse, the Cane Corsos grabbed the smaller dog from opposite sides and attempted to tear it apart.

Hesse told the court he rushed the injured Pomeranian to a veterinarian, but the dog later died from its injuries.

The Cane Corsos were owned by Crystal MacDonald, who is charged with criminal negligence causing death in connection with the fatal attack on Kache at a south Edmonton home. The dogs were later euthanized.

The trial is continuing in Edmonton. The allegations against MacDonald have not been proven in court.