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CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #19372 Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Tuesday, Jun 1, 2010
Disposition: Convicted
Defendants/Suspects:
» Umar Shaid Hamid Choudhry
» Arshad Khaliq
Slough Borough Council's neighborhood enforcement team, along with Thames Valley Police and the RSPCA, are celebrating after the successful prosecution of two men who were found guilty of animal welfare offenses at Reading Magistrates Court.
On February 28, brother-in-laws, Umar Shaid Hamid Choudhry and Arshad Khaliq, of Martin Road, Slough were found guilty of offences under section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 when they failed to provide seven puppies in their care with a suitable environment and failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury and disease in June 2010.
The three month old American Bulldog/Staffy cross puppies, one of which was so poorly it had to be put down, were found in a semi derelict property on Upton Court Road by Slough council officers in response to complaints of barking and foul smells coming from the property.
Officers discovered the puppies in squalid conditions, where they were made to live, eat and sleep in their own excrement with no apparent access to water and on cold, concrete floors.
All of the puppies were taken into possession by Slough Borough Council and a prosecution case was started, with both defendants pleading not guilty.
After the three day trial, Umar Shaid Hamid Choudhry was banned from keeping dogs for five years and fined £7,200 and £15 victim surcharge. Arshad Khaliq was banned from keeping dogs for three years and fined £2,400 costs and £15 victim surcharge.
There was a happy ending to the story, however, with all six remaining dogs finding new and loving homes.
Ian Blake, prosecuting officer for Slough Borough Council said: "We're very happy with the outcome of this case. Finding the puppies in such a squalid state was heartbreaking and only discovered because neighbors complained.
"It was also a case that not only involved the council, but the RSPCA and Thames Valley Police. We are extremely pleased with the result and hope it sends a clear message to any one who owns, or is thinking of owning a pet, to make sure they understand the needs of the animal and to meet these."
Commissioner for Slough community and leisure, Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, added: "It is a sorry state of affairs when people treat another living creature with such contempt.
"I am very pleased with this outcome and would urge members of the public to tell us if they are worried for the welfare of animals in our borough."
The puppies mother lived in a pen outside and was seized by the police for assessment. Khaliq now has six weeks to find her and his two other dogs a suitable home.
To report any animal welfare concerns, please contact the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
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