A Rottweiler was put to sleep after its owner left a large infected chest wound untreated for up to 18 days, a court heard. Quadeer Ahmed, 35, of Hartland Road, West Bromwich, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was sentenced at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court on September 24.
The dog, named Roxy, was taken to a veterinary practice in Stafford on January 7 after Ahmed claimed another dog had attacked her two to three days earlier. However, the vet who examined her found the wound on her chest, measuring 6cm by 4cm, had become necrotic and infected. The prognosis was so poor that euthanasia was deemed the kindest course of action.
Vet estimates wound was six to 18 days old
A post-mortem examination revealed Roxy had suffered several smaller injuries to her legs and ears in addition to the chest wound. The vet said all injuries were at different stages of healing, indicating they were sustained at different times. The chest wound was likely inflicted six to 18 days before she was seen at the vets in Stafford.
The vet stated: “The suffering experienced would have been reasonably foreseeable and avoidable with timely veterinary intervention.” The RSPCA launched an investigation after Roxy's death, focusing on the timeframe of the injuries before she was taken to the practice, which was 25 miles from Ahmed's home.
Owner took dog to groomer before vet
The court heard Ahmed initially took Roxy to a dog groomer in Birmingham, who advised him to see a vet immediately. He then travelled to Stafford rather than seeking treatment closer to his home in West Bromwich.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Tom Hall said: “The defendant should have and could have gone to a vets much nearer his home at the time these injuries were inflicted - the wound to the chest would have been very obvious. He didn’t and in fact took the dog first to a groomer who immediately pointed out he should be at a vets.”
Sentence and ban
Ahmed received a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was banned from owning animals for ten years. He was also ordered to pay £350 court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
Hall added: “Roxy suffered as a result and later, sadly, had to be put to sleep.” The case highlights the importance of seeking prompt veterinary care for injured animals, as delays can lead to unnecessary suffering and fatal outcomes.
