Dog trainer found not guilty of allowing animal to be in distress in connection with December 2022 incident

The Calgary Humane Society (file photo)

A Calgary dog trainer has been found not guilty in the mistreatment of an animal.

The local woman's lawyer said, and the Calgary Humane Society has confirmed, that on Monday, it was decided by the judge that the Crown did not meet its burden of proof.

The Humane Society charged the trainer with causing or allowing an animal to be in distress in connection with a December 2022 incident.

The charge stemmed from a video shared on Facebook.

The video, which appears to be from a security camera, shows a woman leading a dog around in a large room with a leash attached to a collar on its neck.

The woman can then be seen straddling the dog, forcing it to lay down.

The woman remains on top of the dog for more than a minute before she gets up and appears to reach toward its face while another individual sits nearby.

The owner of the company told CTV at the time that the video doesn't show animal abuse—it illustrates "an urgent situation" involving a dog.

"A dog in our care had accidentally torn apart a piece of its collar and was in the process of ingesting it, which would have been dangerous," he wrote.

"We want to assure you that thanks to the quick response of our staff and team members, the dog was safe. A veterinarian examined the dog shortly after confirming it was unharmed and healthy. In fact, the dog returned to the facility the next day, commencing her usual activities."

Furthermore, the owner said the video posted online was doctored by "a former disgruntled employee."

"While we understand that the video may appear concerning, please know it does not show the full scope of the incident, nor the care and attention immediately provided before or afterwards to the dog."

The matter went to trial in July, the woman's lawyer said, and the Humane Society confirmed, which ultimately led to Monday's decision to find her not guilty.