Pet ban for owner in neglect case
Reporter: Beatriz Ayala
Date published: 09 December 2010
Brandy in one of three purpose-built cages in Hussain’s back yard
A GLODWICK man who pleaded guilty to eight animal-neglect charges involving his three bull-type terriers has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
Arshad Hussain (21), of Brewerton Road, pleaded guilty to the offences — none relating to dog-fighting — at a previous hearing.
RSPCA officers found dogs Harvey, Brandy and Red in the back yard of his home on March 11 with scars and wounds consistent with dogs fighting. Some wounds were one to five days old.
The dogs had pressure sores caused by poor living conditions, and all needed veterinary treatment.
They were signed over to the RSPCA and have since been successfully rehomed.
Hussain told police some of the injuries were caused by the dogs fighting among themselves, and that he couldn’t afford to take them to the vet.
Speaking at Oldham magistrates court yesterday, Mark Harper, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said Hussain was of good character with no other charges recorded against him.
He said the total costs paid by the RSPCA, including vet and investigation fees, was £4,746.32 but, because the figure was so high, he would not be asking for a contribution towards legal costs.
Arthur Mould, defending, said: “I’d like to emphasise that this is not direct, deliberate cruelty.
“It’s neglect brought about because he did not have the money to go to the vet.”
Ian Edwards, chairman of the bench, disqualified Hussain from owning or keeping or helping to keep any animal for 10 years, and said he cannot apply to have the order dropped for at least five years.
Hussain was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community and must pay £600 costs to the RSPCA.
RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald, based in Tameside, said: “We are pleased with the result.
“This puts a message out to dog owners about the need to get vet treatment when required for injuries including those caused by dogs fighting among themselves or others, along with the provision of adequate living conditions.”
