Sentencing expected for Alberta woman convicted in dog attack that killed 11-year-old

EDMONTON - A judge is set to determine the sentence for an Alberta woman convicted of animal cruelty after her dogs fatally attacked an 11-year-old boy. Crystal MacDonald was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death following the incident in her Edmonton residence in April 2024. The Crown is requesting a five-year prison term and a lifelong prohibition on owning dogs, while MacDonald's defense is advocating for a conditional sentence of nearly two years.

The boy's father, Wesley Grist, testified that MacDonald genuinely cared for his son and insisted she should not face incarceration, acknowledging that both he and MacDonald must endure the tragic loss. MacDonald expressed that no punishment could alleviate the profound impact of the child's death on her.