MOHAMMED ABBAS FROM HUDDERSFIELD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO COCKERELS IN POOR CONDITIONS
Mohammed Abbas, a resident of Holly Road, Thornton Lodge in Huddersfield, has been found guilty of neglecting and mistreating a group of injured cockerels kept on his property.Born around 1979, Abbas was involved in a case brought forward by the RSPCA, which uncovered severe welfare violations involving the birds.
On June 21, 2023, RSPCA Inspector Demi Hodby visited a plot of land adjacent to a garage on Bulay Road, Thornton Lodge, Huddersfield, after receiving a report expressing concern about the condition of the birds.
The inspector observed six cockerels confined within purpose-built wooden enclosures on the site.
These birds exhibited clear signs of suffering, including red skin, missing feathers, and injuries to their wings and feet.
The inspector noted that the birds had untreated lesions and bruising, with some injuries consistent with pecking and fighting among the birds.
During the inspection, Abbas confirmed that the cockerels belonged to him.
He stated that none of the birds had been taken to a veterinarian for treatment in the past two years, despite being registered with a local vet in Huddersfield.
When questioned about their health, Abbas claimed that the birds were not used for fighting and were currently in 'moult.' He also showed the inspector a yellow spray bottle, which he said was used to treat feather loss, asserting that there was nothing wrong with the birds.
Despite Abbas's claims, the inspector expressed concern for the welfare of the cockerels and requested permission to have them examined by a veterinarian.
Abbas agreed to this, and the birds were subsequently taken for veterinary assessment.
The veterinarian's examination revealed that four of the six cockerels were underweight, and all six were found to be in a state of suffering.
The animals were seized by police and placed into the care of the RSPCA.
The veterinarian's report detailed that the feather loss observed on the birds was typical of feather pecking and bullying, especially around the cloacal area, which can cause serious trauma.
Two of the cockerels had open skin lesions, likely resulting from pecking or fighting.
The vet emphasized that a responsible owner would have identified and treated such injuries promptly and would have taken measures to prevent bullying, such as separating aggressive birds.
The report also highlighted the presence of parasites and other health issues that should have been addressed by a caring owner.
When questioned by the RSPCA about the condition of the birds, Abbas declined to comment and refused to sign over ownership of the cockerels.
The birds are now being cared for at a private boarding facility arranged by the RSPCA, pending rehoming.
The court also imposed a deprivation order, preventing Abbas from keeping caged or crated birds for six years, until July 2030.
In court, Abbas pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
His sentencing included a 12-month community order, during which he must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he was ordered to undertake another 150 hours of unpaid work for breaching a previous suspended sentence.
Court costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £114 were also imposed.
Furthermore, Abbas was disqualified from keeping caged or crated birds for six years, reflecting the seriousness of the welfare violations committed in Huddersfield.
