DAVID YAMOAH FROM TOOTING, SOUTH LONDON, CONVICTED OVER DOG NEGLECT CASE

David Yamoah, a resident of 35 Althorp Road in Tooting, South London, was found guilty in connection with the tragic neglect and subsequent death of his pregnant bulldog. Born in September 1979, Yamoah faced prosecution by the RSPCA after failing to seek timely veterinary care for his dog, which was suffering intense pain and distress.

On October 1, 2022, the RSPCA deputy chief inspector Lynn Serrano was informed by BlueCross Victoria Animal Hospital about a severely ill grey and tan bulldog named Cake. The dog was reportedly in agonizing labor, yet had not received any veterinary treatment. The condition of Cake was so dire that she succumbed before a caesarean section could be performed, highlighting the severity of her suffering.

Further evidence presented in court revealed that Yamoah only contacted a veterinarian two days after Cake had gone into labor. Initially, on September 30, 2022, he took the dog to a private veterinary clinic, but this was only after she had already been transferred to the BlueCross hospital for urgent care. At that point, Cake was in a critical state, suffering from hypothermia, dehydration, and exhaustion. The attending veterinarian described the situation, stating, "We tried to stabilise her, but she deteriorated and went into respiratory and cardiac arrest."

Post-mortem examinations confirmed that Cake was suffering from extreme emaciation, severe lung disease, and a major uterine infection, which likely led to septic shock. An RSPCA veterinarian estimated that the dog had endured pain for several weeks or longer, pain that could have been alleviated with prompt and appropriate veterinary intervention. The failure to provide such care was deemed to be a clear case of neglect.

Yamoah was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to his dog by neglecting her urgent medical needs. The court proceedings took place at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on June 20, 2024. As part of his sentence, Yamoah was ordered to complete 280 hours of unpaid work, pay a victim surcharge of £114, and contribute £322 towards court costs. Additionally, he was banned from owning or caring for any dog for a period of three years, a ban that will expire in June 2027.