GRZEGORAZ ZAREBA AND ANNA BITNER FROME ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE LEAVES GERMAN SHEPHERD TO DIE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Grzegoraz Sylwester Zareba, born March 1972, residing at Flat 14 Sunnybank Court, Portway, Frome BA11 1QX, and Anna Dorota Bitner, born July 1975, of 12 Coronation Road, Frome BA11 2BJ, have been found guilty of serious animal welfare offences involving the tragic death of a German Shepherd named Ira.

According to court records and investigations, the couple was responsible for the suffering and subsequent death of Ira after a prolonged and painful labor. The incident came to light when the RSPCA launched an inquiry in January 2024, prompted by a veterinarian who was presented with Ira’s lifeless body by Zareba and Bitner. The vet’s examination revealed that Ira had gone into labor on a Friday evening, giving birth to three puppies, of which only two survived. The couple claimed that Ira’s labor had ceased after the initial delivery, and they did not seek immediate veterinary assistance.

However, a post-mortem examination uncovered a tragic truth: Ira had not expelled all her puppies, and her death was caused by sepsis resulting from internal bleeding. The veterinarian’s findings indicated that Ira’s condition deteriorated over the weekend, and she appeared to be unwell by Monday evening. Despite her worsening state, Zareba and Bitner failed to seek urgent veterinary care. Ira’s condition worsened overnight, and she died early Tuesday morning.

Inspector Patrick Bailey of the RSPCA, who led the investigation, expressed his distress over the case. He stated, “It is so upsetting to think about how she must have been feeling, emotionally and physically, as she endured such a prolonged, painful labor whilst she struggled to try and give birth, only to become fatally injured internally through her efforts.” He further criticized the couple’s decision not to seek veterinary help, emphasizing, “The couple’s decision not to seek veterinary treatment at any stage, even when they believed Ira had developed an infection and was unwell, is completely unacceptable.”

Adding to the tragedy, the puppies born from Ira were later advertised for sale at £1,000 each. Inspector Bailey commented that this fact “speaks volumes about the incentive for ensuring their survival,” highlighting the disturbing prioritization of profit over animal welfare.

As part of their sentencing, Zareba and Bitner received a ban on keeping animals for a period of 20 years, a measure intended to prevent further cruelty and neglect. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the devastating consequences of neglectful and profit-driven breeding practices in Frome and beyond.