SIEEM TAMRAT SHOCKS LEWISHAM WITH CRUELTY TO PUPPY NEAR DEPTFORD

Siem Tamrat, born on September 9, 2000, and residing at Mereton Mansions on Brookmill Road in Deptford, London SE8 4HS, has been convicted of severe animal neglect involving a young puppy. The case drew significant attention after Tamrat was found guilty of failing to care for a three-month-old American bulldog named Nala, who was brought to veterinary professionals in a critically emaciated state.

Despite denying the charges of animal cruelty, Tamrat’s actions—or lack thereof—led to a conviction. The evidence presented in court detailed how Nala was left without proper nourishment and hydration, resulting in her near-starvation. The puppy was first taken to the PDSA veterinary clinic on November 15, 2022, after showing signs of being underweight. At that initial visit, Nala weighed only 10.6 kilograms, and the vets advised Tamrat to provide her with a balanced diet consisting of complete puppy food three times daily. They also recommended a follow-up appointment in two weeks to monitor her progress.

However, when Nala was brought back to the clinic, her condition had deteriorated alarmingly. She now weighed a mere 7.7 kilograms, and her physical state was dire. The dog was subdued, barely able to stand, with muscles trembling and her head hanging low. The veterinarians could clearly see her bones—her skull, limbs, spine, ribs, and pelvis—indicating extreme malnutrition. The RSPCA described her as being in a state of severe physical distress, requiring urgent and intensive supportive treatment.

Despite the clear medical advice, Tamrat initially refused to authorize the necessary treatment. He later left the veterinary practice to withdraw funds for her care but failed to return, leaving Nala in a critical condition. This neglect prompted the RSPCA, along with police officers, to intervene and seize Nala to ensure her safety and well-being. The investigation into animal welfare offences was subsequently launched.

During the court proceedings, Tamrat’s defense lawyer argued that his client’s autism and ADHD impacted his decision-making and reasoning skills, attempting to mitigate the severity of his actions. Nevertheless, the evidence from veterinary professionals and animal welfare inspectors painted a stark picture of neglect.

RSPCA Inspector Harriet Daliday, who attended the veterinary practice, provided a detailed account of Nala’s condition. She described the puppy as curled up in her kennel, attached to a drip, and unresponsive to noise or human voices. Daliday recounted having to gently lift Nala out of her kennel with support to photograph her, as she could not stand unaided. The inspector noted that Nala was extremely underweight, with all her ribs, pelvis, and spine prominently visible. Her back was notably arched, and she was unsteady on her feet, swaying and shaking. The puppy appeared lethargic, struggling to keep her eyes open, and her overall demeanor was the opposite of what one would expect from a healthy, playful three-month-old puppy.

Fortunately, Nala has since recovered fully from her traumatic ordeal. She was adopted by a new family, who provided her with the care and attention she was denied during her early life. The court sentenced Tamrat to a 10-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with 30 days of rehabilitation activities. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, Tamrat received a five-year ban from owning animals, which will remain in effect until April 2029.