A Calgary man is facing a series of criminal charges after a disturbing investigation by police and animal welfare officers revealed multiple incidents of alleged abuse against his dog, culminating in the animal being stolen from the care of the Calgary Humane Society.
Incidents of Abuse Captured on CCTV
The investigation began after Calgary Transit peace officers observed a man striking and kicking his dog via surveillance cameras at the Marlborough CTrain station on July 12, 2025, at approximately 6:25 a.m. The same individual was seen again on December 9 at 3:35 p.m. at the City Hall CTrain station, where he was recorded striking the animal several times.
Following the second incident, transit officers detained the man and seized the dog for its safety. The animal was placed into the protective custody of the Calgary Humane Society. The owner was given specific conditions to meet if he wished to regain ownership but ultimately forfeited the dog after failing to comply with those requirements.
Theft from Humane Society Property
The case took a dramatic turn on December 16 at around 5:20 p.m. when the man entered the Calgary Humane Society property and stole the dog from a volunteer who was walking it. Peace officers detained him until Calgary Police Service members arrived. He was subsequently arrested and charged with theft under $5,000 and was ordered by the court to stay away from the Humane Society property.
Despite this judicial order, the man returned to the property on December 22 and 23, leading to further arrests.
Multiple Charges Laid After Joint Probe
As a result of a joint investigation by the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Humane Society, Joshua James Mulligan, 41, of Calgary, now faces a slate of charges. These include:
- Two counts of causing injury to an animal
- Two counts of an owner willfully causing pain and suffering to an animal
- Two counts of breach of a release order
- One count of possession of methamphetamine
Mulligan is scheduled to make his next court appearance on January 14, 2026. Authorities have confirmed that the dog involved is now safe and continues to be cared for by the Calgary Humane Society.
Police are asking anyone with additional information about this case to contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
