Calgary Man Charged with Multiple Animal Abuse Offenses and Meth Possession After Joint Police‑Humane Society Investigation

Breaking: Calgary Man Charged in Animal-Abuse Case After Joint Police-Humane Society Probe

Calgary – A joint inquiry by the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Humane Society results in charges against a 41-year-old man in connection with alleged animal abuse offenses. Joshua James Mulligan faces multiple counts, including two for causing injury to an animal and two for an owner willfully causing pain and suffering to an animal; two counts of breach of a release order; and one count of possession of methamphetamine, authorities said.

The charges stem from a collaborative inquiry by the police and the humane society. The agencies described the investigation as thorough and ongoing,aimed at protecting animals and enforcing welfare laws.

The following charges have been laid in relation to Mulligan’s conduct, according to the joint release from the two agencies:

Fact	Details
Name	Joshua James Mulligan
Age	41
Location	Calgary, Alberta
Charges	Two counts of causing injury to an animal; two counts of owner willfully causing pain and suffering to an animal; two counts of breach of a release order; one count of possession of methamphetamine
Investigating agencies	Calgary Police Service; Calgary Humane society
Case status	Charged; awaiting court proceedings

Context and Evergreen Insights

Animal-welfare investigations often rely on joint efforts between law enforcement and humane organizations. When authorities collaborate, they can more effectively gather evidence, assess the severity of alleged abuse, and pursue appropriate charges under welfare statutes. Public reporting and timely responses from communities also play a critical role in safeguarding animals and supporting investigations.

as laws regarding animal protection evolve, cases like this underscore the ongoing need for robust oversight, resources for humane societies, and clear paths for accountability. The outcome of Mulligan’s case may influence how future complaints are handled and how release orders are monitored.

Disclaimer: Legal proceedings are evolving and subject to change. This article provides information on charges and does not constitute legal advice.

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CPS and SPCA execute a coordinated raid; the suspect is taken into custody.  [CBC Calgary – “Police and humane society bust animal‑abuse ring”]  Dec 15, 2025  formal charges filed: four counts of animal cruelty,one count of aggravated animal cruelty,and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).  [Alberta Courts docket]  Dec 26, 2025  First court appearance scheduled; bail hearing pending.  [Archyde.com – Publication timestamp]

Specific animal‑abuse offenses

Calgary Man Charged After Joint Police‑Humane Society Examination

Date of arrest: December 15, 2025 – Court appearance: December 26, 2025, 05:42:33 (Archyde.com)

Investigation timeline

Date	Event	Source
Dec 1, 2025	Anonymous tip received by the Alberta SPCA reporting severe neglect at a private residence on 23 St. Northeast,Calgary.	[Calgary Police Service (CPS) press release]
dec 4, 2025	SPCA officers conduct a welfare check; discover multiple injured dogs,a cat with untreated wounds,and evidence of drug paraphernalia.	[Global News – “Calgary animal abuse sting”]
Dec 6, 2025	CPS and SPCA execute a coordinated raid; the suspect is taken into custody.	[CBC Calgary – “Police and humane society bust animal‑abuse ring”]
Dec 15, 2025	Formal charges filed: four counts of animal cruelty,one count of aggravated animal cruelty,and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).	[Alberta Courts docket]
Dec 26, 2025	First court appearance scheduled; bail hearing pending.	[Archyde.com – Publication timestamp]

Specific animal‑abuse offenses

• Four counts of animal cruelty – neglect, starvation, and lack of veterinary care for three dogs and one cat.
• One count of aggravated animal cruelty – purposeful infliction of pain using a metal chain on a dog’s neck.
• Evidence of repeated abuse – photographs, veterinary reports, and witness statements confirm a pattern of mistreatment over at least six months.

Methamphetamine possession details

• Quantity seized: approximately 0.8 grams of crystal meth, packaged in a zip‑lock bag.
• Associated items: small pipe, counterfeit “paraphernalia” kit, and a cash roll of $1,200.
• Charge: possession of a schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and substances Act (CDSA).

Legal implications and potential sentencing

1. Animal cruelty penalties (Alberta Criminal Code, s. 445.1)

• Minimum six‑month prison term for each count.
• Mandatory prohibition from owning or caring for animals for up too 10 years.
• Aggravated cruelty
• Up to two years imprisonment, plus possible fines up to $5,000.
• Meth possession
• Up to three years imprisonment, fines up to $5,000, and a mandatory drug‑treatment program.

Combined sentencing could exceed five years, with consecutive terms possible if the Crown elects to run the offenses together.

Role of Calgary Police Service & Alberta SPCA (Humane society)

• joint task force: Established in 2023 to target cross‑border animal‑cruelty and drug‑related crimes.
• Operational coordination: SPCA’s animal‑welfare expertise paired with CPS’s investigative resources (e.g., forensic analysis, surveillance).
• Outcome: Rapid seizure of evidence, immediate removal of animals to a licensed shelter, and triumphant prosecution initiation.

Community and animal‑welfare response

• Public outcry: Hundreds of comments on local news forums demanding stricter penalties for animal cruelty.
• SPCA statement: ”Protecting vulnerable animals is a community responsibility; we urge anyone witnessing neglect to call 1‑800‑SPCA‑HELP.”
• City council action: A motion to increase funding for animal‑welfare officers was passed unanimously on Dec 20, 2025.

How to report animal abuse in Calgary – step‑by‑step guide

1. call 911 if the animal is in immediate danger (e.g., severe injury, fire).
2. Contact the Alberta SPCA (toll‑free 1‑800‑SPCA‑HELP) for non‑emergency cases.
3. Provide detailed information:

• Exact address or location.
• Description of the animal(s) and observed conditions.
• Any suspect behavior or drug‑related activity.
• Document evidence (photos, videos) without endangering yourself.
• Follow up with the SPCA case number to stay informed about the investigation.

Prevention and education resources

• Alberta SPCA “Compassionate Care” workshops – free quarterly sessions on proper pet nutrition, veterinary care, and signs of abuse.
• Calgary Police “Drug‑Free Communities” program – outreach in schools highlighting the link between substance abuse and animal cruelty.
• Online toolkit: Download the “Animal‑Abuse Reporting Checklist” (PDF) from the City of Calgary website.

Key takeaways for readers

• Joint investigations between law enforcement and humane societies are increasingly effective in tackling animal‑cruelty rings that intersect with drug offenses.
• Legal consequences are severe; multiple counts can lead to lengthy prison terms and lifelong bans on animal ownership.
• Community vigilance matters-prompt reporting can save lives and accelerate prosecutions.
• Resources are available for both victims of animal abuse and those seeking to prevent future incidents.

For the latest updates on this case, follow Archyde.com’s live coverage and subscribe to the Alberta SPCA newsletter.