AKAASH MUSHTAQ FROM WARD END SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN BIRMINGHAM

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, Akaash Mushtaq, born on June 21, 1996, and residing on Morley Road in Ward End, Birmingham B8 2HX, was found responsible for the suffering of multiple dogs in his care. The incident came to light in January 2019 when local authorities received a complaint about a stray dog wandering into back gardens along Morley Road.

Dog wardens responded promptly to the report and tracked the stray to Mushtaq’s property. Upon entering his backyard, they discovered a distressing scene: five kennels, four of which housed dogs, and the fifth containing a stray crossbreed dog. The dogs in the kennels included two German Shepherds, a Rottweiler, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier were found dead, with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier appearing to have been deceased for some time. The German Shepherds, although alive, were severely underweight, indicating prolonged neglect.

The stray crossbreed dog was also in a poor state of health, underweight and scavenging through neighbors’ gardens and trash bins for food. The kennels themselves were in deplorable condition—filthy, covered with dog feces, and cluttered with car parts and wheels. Shockingly, none of the kennels contained any food or water, highlighting the complete disregard for the animals’ basic needs.

Mushtaq was issued a caution by the authorities at the scene, and all the dogs were seized under the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Subsequently, he voluntarily signed over custody of the three surviving dogs to Birmingham City Council. These dogs, once fed a proper diet, quickly regained weight and health, requiring no veterinary intervention. They have since been successfully rehomed to new families.

In court, Mushtaq admitted to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to the deceased dogs and three counts of neglecting his duty of care towards the living animals. His sentencing included a 24-week jail term, with half of that time to be served on license. Additionally, he was subjected to a 12-month supervision order to run consecutively and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115. Furthermore, Mushtaq received a ten-year ban on keeping any animals, a restriction set to expire in July 2029.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences faced by those who neglect or abuse animals in their care, especially in communities like Ward End, Birmingham.