Court told suspect in Calgary animal abuse case needs further mental assessment

CALGARY – A Calgary man accused of torturing and killing a dog and a cat he found online has been sent for another 30 days of psychiatric assessment.

Nicolino Ivano Camardi, who is 19, faces charges of wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal.

The Calgary Humane Society began investigating in January 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.

A veterinarian determined the dog had suffered chronic malnourishment before it died, while the cat had been strangled and had injuries to its head, tail and hind limbs.

Camardi is to return to court July 7.