SATHHEESH FERNANDO'S BRUTAL CRUELTY IN EAST DULWICH: ANIMAL ABUSE SHOCKS LONDON

Satheesh Anton Fernando, born on November 11, 1989, and residing on Upland Road in East Dulwich, London SE22 0DB, has been found guilty of severe animal cruelty charges involving a young cockapoo named Bruno. The case, which has garnered significant attention, details a series of disturbing injuries inflicted upon the dog, leading to a criminal investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Fernando admitted guilt to the animal welfare offences during a court session held at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on July 28. The court heard that Bruno, who was owned by Fernando and his then-partner, was subjected to repeated acts of violence that resulted in multiple serious injuries. The dog was first brought to a veterinary clinic in Dulwich in November 2021, suffering from injuries that were initially attributed to an accidental fall or being knocked over by another dog. At that time, Bruno was diagnosed with a collapsed lung and a fractured rib, injuries that raised concerns among veterinary staff.

Further incidents occurred in July 2022, when Bruno was again taken to the same veterinary clinic after allegedly falling from a tree in a park. X-ray examinations revealed that the dog had a broken left leg, which was documented with an image taken at the time. During this visit, Fernando’s partner inquired whether Bruno might have a brittle bone disease, given his history of fractures. However, the pattern of injuries and the circumstances surrounding them prompted veterinary professionals to suspect non-accidental trauma.

Concerned about the suspicious nature of the injuries, the veterinary staff contacted the RSPCA, the leading animal welfare organization in the UK. An investigation was launched, and Bruno was seized from Fernando’s care. The dog was subsequently placed into the protective custody of the RSPCA, where he received necessary medical treatment and care. Inspector Leanna Hone, who led the investigation, described the severity of Bruno’s injuries, stating, “Bruno had been taken to the vets with several injuries including two broken femurs, spinal pain, rib fractures, and a punctured lung. The explanations from the owner as to how he’d been injured didn’t seem to add up.”

Inspector Hone further explained that the veterinary team had expressed concerns that the injuries were consistent with non-accidental harm, prompting the RSPCA to intervene. She expressed relief that Bruno was now safe and in a loving new home, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and the community’s role in protecting vulnerable animals. “This was a distressing case, poor Bruno had suffered badly, but we’re relieved now that he is safe. Thankfully, Bruno is now in a fantastic new home and is loved and cared for the way he deserves,” she said.

During the sentencing hearing, the judge acknowledged the gravity of Fernando’s actions, which clearly met the threshold for immediate custody. However, considering Fernando’s remorse, his status as a first-time offender, and the potential impact on his employment, the court decided to suspend the custodial sentence. Fernando was sentenced to a ten-week jail term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was fined £4,000 to cover costs associated with the case. The court also imposed a ten-year ban on Fernando owning or caring for any animals, aiming to prevent any future incidents of cruelty.