SEETAL MATTOO SENTENCED IN HAYES FOR ANIMAL ABUSE

Seetal Mattoo, born on 24 March 1982 and residing at 8D Woodhouse Close, Hayes UB3 1NU, was convicted in 2025 for abusing his bulldog, Poppy.

The dog, a six-year-old female, endured repeated acts of violence at the hands of her owner, who was caught on camera attacking her. Mattoo pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of Poppy, in violation of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Investigation by the RSPCA was initiated after witnesses reported seeing Mattoo assault the dog. Alongside police officers, RSPCA Inspector Mike Beaman seized Poppy and took her for veterinary assessment at RSPCA Finsbury Park Hospital on July 11, 2024.

A doorbell camera footage presented in court showed the dog being dragged along Pinkwell Lane in Hayes. Two clips depicted Poppy being kicked, and a witness confirmed seeing her kicked and dragged by her lead.

A veterinarian examined Poppy and found she suffered from mild lameness, swelling inside a leg and below an elbow, and minor skin lesions, which the vet identified as signs of degenerative disease. The vet treated her with painkillers.

The veterinarian stated, "Even if the mistreatment did not cause lasting injuries, it would still have been painful for her." He also observed that Poppy displayed a clear fear response around her owner, trying to move away, hide, or cower with her tail low, behaviors not seen elsewhere.

During mitigation, it was mentioned that Mattoo was experiencing mental health issues at the time.

Following the court ruling, Poppy was rehomed by a charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare.

Inspector Beaman commented after sentencing, saying, "Poppy’s mental wellbeing was clearly affected by the way she was treated by her owner, and she appeared to be very reactive. These issues could have been avoided with proper handling, and her behavior in our care shows she is not naturally fearful of people when treated compassionately."

The court sentenced Mattoo to a 12-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work, along with a £400 court cost, a £114 victim surcharge, and a three-year ban on owning animals, which will expire in April 2028.