DANIEL LINDSAY FROM DAGENHAM SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG ZIMBA

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Dagenham, Daniel Lindsay, known locally as the drag artist Diamond Daniels, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a two-year-old dog named Zimba. Lindsay, born in 1995 and residing on Braintree Road in Dagenham RM10, was responsible for the dog's neglect that ultimately led to her death.

According to court records, Lindsay admitted to neglecting Zimba by failing to administer effective flea control treatments and neglecting to investigate or address her deteriorating health and weight loss. The neglect was so severe that it resulted in Zimba being found dead in March 2024, her skeletal remains discarded in a communal bin area. The RSPCA was alerted after a local authority enforcement officer discovered her body, which was partially wrapped in a black refuse bag and left in a communal waste bin.

Post-mortem examinations revealed the extent of Zimba’s suffering. The veterinarian’s report detailed that the dog was in an extremely emaciated state, with significant muscle wastage across her body, a lack of fat tissue, and severe atrophy of her bone marrow. She was also dehydrated at the time of her death. The remains showed that Zimba had resorted to eating non-nutritive substances, such as grey material and rubber, in her desperate search for food. Her weight was recorded at just 17.4 kilograms.

The veterinary assessment concluded that Zimba’s suffering was caused by dehydration and her emaciated condition, which was worsened by a heavy flea infestation. The fleas would have caused intense skin irritation, weakness, fatigue, and likely contributed to anemia. An expert vet explained that her emaciation could not be solely attributed to the flea burden but was also due to inadequate nutrition. Although heart disease was identified, it was considered a minor factor in her overall decline.

During the court proceedings, Lindsay claimed that he did not know who could help him care for the dog, suggesting a lack of awareness or support in managing her health needs. However, the court found sufficient evidence of neglect and cruelty.

Following the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Shahnaz Ahmad expressed her sorrow over Zimba’s death. She emphasized the importance of seeking help if pet owners are struggling to care for their animals, urging the public to act before it is too late. She stated, “It is heartbreaking that Zimba died. The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their animal to ask for help and act on advice, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer. I hope that by highlighting Zimba’s story will encourage people to take action if concerned for their pet — before it’s too late.”

In sentencing, Daniel Lindsay received a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, undergo 20 days of rehabilitation, and pay costs of £500 along with a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, Lindsay is subject to a five-year ban on owning or caring for any animals, which will remain in effect until December 2029.