A man charged with horrific animal abuse crimes has recently pleaded guilty in the torture and deaths of a cat and a dog. The suspect, identified as Nicolino Camardi of Calgary, Alberta, is accused of starving a dog and then “hanging” a cat with a piece of string. Global News shared this December 12, 2014. This latest update on the story discusses Camardi’s actions and why prosecutors are looking for a serious criminal sentence in this heated case.

Nicolino Camardi, of Calgary, was recently charged in a disturbing set of abuse allegations against a dog and a cat. Last Friday, Camardi pleaded guilty to two separate animal cruelty charges, both of which involved the victims’ torture to the point of death. These senseless killings led to not only serious public backlash, but serious aims from prosecutors hoping to land the suspect in extended prison time.

The Calgary Humane Society began investigating January 9, when a starved dog was found dead with tape around its muzzle. A dead cat was found in the same area a week later with green painter’s tape covering most of its face.

An examination at a veterinarian’s office determined the dog suffered chronic malnourishment before its death. The cat had been strangled and had injuries to its head, tail and hind limbs. Crown prosecutor, Gord Haight, read an agreed statement of facts into the court record saying the animals were a two-year-old Husky named Shadow, and a six-month-old domestic short-haired kitten named One Tooth, and that both were severely malnourished.

The attacks on the animals often occurred when Camardi, who was addicted to crack cocaine, would get angry about issues such as house soiling or making noise. Haight said these incidents would trigger Camardi to commit horrific acts of abuse.

“Due to the lack of adequate and proper food, Shadow became progressively more malnourished, and toward the end of her life became increasingly weak and lethargic. A few days before Shadow died, the accused taped her muzzle shut with clear medical tape. Shadow was too weak from starvation to resist. Camardi also kicked and punched the cat. The accused, in an effort to stifle her cries of pain, applied painter’s tape all over her mouth and nose.”

The prosecution asked for a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric assessment of Camardi before sentencing, said Haight.

“The Crown will be seeking considerably more time than the seven months the accused has been in custody. Because of the abject horror of the crime, a psychiatric review is necessary.”

[image via metronews]