HUMZA SALEEM FROM HOUNSLOW CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY AND FIGHTING OFFENSES IN HORRIFIC CASE

Humza Saleem, born on December 10, 1997, and residing at 36 Belgrave Road, Hounslow TW4 7BY, has been found guilty of heinous animal cruelty crimes involving his involvement in illegal dog fighting activities. The case came to light after authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of his brutal actions and extensive animal abuse.

Investigations were initiated by the police after a pig was discovered to have been killed by a dog, marking the second such attack in the Hounslow area. During the investigation, law enforcement officers found a clean black designer wallet in a muddy field, which had been recently dropped. Through items found within the wallet, police were able to identify Saleem as the owner. He was subsequently bailed while further inquiries were conducted.

A detailed examination of Saleem’s mobile phone revealed a disturbing collection of thousands of images and videos. These included footage of animal fights, with scenes showing foxes and pigs being killed by dogs, as well as videos of dogs of a banned breed being trained on a treadmill for fighting purposes. The evidence painted a clear picture of Saleem’s involvement in organized animal cruelty and illegal fighting rings.

Hertfordshire Police, after reviewing the evidence, referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The CPS authorized charges against Saleem for multiple offences related to animal cruelty. Initially, Saleem pleaded not guilty; however, he changed his plea during a court appearance at St. Albans Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 3.

Saleem was convicted on several counts, including causing an animal fight to take place, causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, criminal damage, keeping animals for fighting purposes, and owning a prohibited pitbull-type dog. The court’s decision reflects the severity of his actions and the danger posed by his illegal activities.

Rost Sergeant Ryan Hemmings, who led the investigation, expressed his strong feelings about the case, stating, “This investigation uncovered some of the most disturbing animal cruelty offences I have ever come across. I would like to thank everyone involved with the investigation for working under some very upsetting circumstances to get this dangerous individual exposed and banned from keeping animals.” He also emphasized ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend others involved in this criminal network, urging the public to come forward with any relevant information, either directly to the police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Ashley Petchey, the senior crown prosecutor, highlighted the seriousness of the offences, noting, “This case demonstrates the lengths to which offenders will go to cause animal fights to take place, regardless of the risks to themselves, their animals, and the wider community. The CPS worked closely with Hertfordshire police to build a strong case against Humza Saleem, and we thank them for their diligence. We will continue to collaborate to ensure justice is served for these heinous crimes.”

In sentencing, Saleem received a 23-week prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay £1,584 in kenneling costs to Hertfordshire Constabulary and £128 to the owner of the pig. Additionally, he was banned from owning animals for life, and a destruction order was issued for his dog, further emphasizing the court’s stance against animal cruelty and illegal fighting activities.