DARNALL DOG CRUELTY: CLAIRE WAINWRIGHT AND TARIQ AJMAL'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Claire Wainwright, born around 1982, along with her twin sons Tariq Ajmal and Adam Ajmal, both born on March 7, 2002, faced serious charges after authorities uncovered appalling conditions at their family home in Prince of Wales Road, in the Manor area of Sheffield. The property, located in the Darnall district, was found to be the site of severe neglect involving seven dogs, including two puppies, and a parrot, all kept in deplorable circumstances.

On March 30, 2022, RSPCA inspector Leanne Booth, accompanied by police officers, visited the residence following reports and concerns raised by members of the community about the welfare of the animals. What she discovered was a scene of neglect and squalor that shocked even seasoned animal welfare workers. The inspector described a strong, pervasive smell of urine and feces permeating the kitchen area, where she found two puppies confined within a small wooden dog kennel. The kennel was soaked with urine and feces, lacking any form of bedding or dry space for the puppies to rest. One of the puppies, a shepherd called Hugo, was soaked with a mixture of urine and feces, with fluids dripping from his coat, making it difficult for the inspector to hold him due to the overwhelming stench.

Similarly, Winnie, a Rottweiler puppy, was found to be wet and covered in the same foul liquids, indicating a neglectful environment. The kitchen also contained a small cage housing a yellow parrot named Zara. Her cage was filthy, covered in feces and old, rotting food, with a water dish filled with soiled water, highlighting the neglect extended to all animals in the household.

Further investigation led the inspector outside to a fenced-off area in the garden, where the remaining animals were kept. Here, she observed a distressing scene: some dogs were tethered, while others roamed freely. One of the tethered dogs, a Cane Corso, was involved in an attack on another tethered dog and had to be restrained by Tariq Ajmal. The dog was wearing a tight harness attached to a chain secured to a metal ring on the ground, severely restricting her movement. She was visibly limping, lacked access to water, shelter, or a comfortable resting place, and appeared to be in pain.

Another dog, Coco, was found with a choke chain around her neck, attached to a very short chain, which forced her into a crouched stance. She, too, was deprived of water, shelter, and a proper resting area. Among the other animals was Shadow, a Cane Corso with a docked tail and cropped ears, indicating prior cosmetic procedures. The garden area also included a large garage divided into three dark, unventilated rooms, all covered in feces and infested with maggots, with no bedding or natural light, and an overpowering smell of filth.

All animals were seized by the police and taken into the care of the RSPCA. During questioning, Wainwright claimed that the dogs belonged to her two sons, Tariq and Adam Ajmal, and that she had assisted in caring for the puppies. She also stated that the parrot was a family pet. Veterinary experts examined the animals and reported severe concerns about their welfare. The conditions were described as unacceptable, with poor sanitation, lack of proper shelter, and no access to fresh water while animals were restrained or tethered for extended periods. The report emphasized that the suffering inflicted was entirely avoidable and inexcusable.

In court, Wainwright pleaded guilty to two animal cruelty charges related to Hugo and Winnie. Tariq Ajmal admitted to one charge concerning four other dogs—Shotty, River, Vegas, and Coco—while Adam Ajmal also pleaded guilty to a single cruelty offence involving Shadow. The court heard that all three defendants had been experiencing personal hardships at the time of the offences. Wainwright was suffering from bereavement and physical illness, which she claimed left her overwhelmed and unable to properly care for the animals. Similarly, Tariq Ajmal was struggling following the death of his father and found it difficult to be at the property regularly. Adam Ajmal, also affected by his father’s passing, insisted he was not responsible for the docking of Shadow’s tail or her ear cropping, claiming he had rescued her from abroad.

Following the court proceedings, the animals, including the dogs and the parrot, were placed in the care of the RSPCA and will be available for rehoming once they are deemed suitable for adoption. Due to their size and strength, the dogs will require experienced and knowledgeable owners to ensure their well-being.

Inspector Booth commented on the case, describing the conditions in the garage as “horrendous,” with every part of the floor covered in feces and no dry space for the animals to rest. She emphasized the severity of the neglect and the urgent need for intervention to prevent further suffering. The court sentenced Wainwright, Tariq Ajmal, and Adam Ajmal to a 12-week curfew, ordered them to pay costs of £300, and imposed a victim surcharge of £95. Additionally, they are banned from keeping animals for a period of three years, with the ban set to expire in April 2026.