TANYA ALABAF FROM WOULDHAM FACES COURT AFTER STARVING AND NEGLECTING DOG IN ROCHESTER

Tanya Alabaf, a woman residing on High Street in Wouldham, Rochester, has been convicted of severe animal neglect that led to the suffering and eventual death of her pet bulldog, Ceasar. Born around 1982, Alabaf’s case drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations due to the heartbreaking conditions in which the dog was found.

Alabaf, a mother of eight children, took on the responsibility of caring for Ceasar after her son, the dog’s original owner, was sent to prison. The six-year-old bulldog was suffering from a severe mange infestation, which caused extensive fur loss, open sores, and scabbing across his body and face. The neglect was so profound that Ceasar was severely emaciated, with his bones clearly visible beneath his skin. Tragically, the dog’s condition deteriorated further, and he was eventually euthanized after suffering seizures that could not be linked directly to his prior state of neglect.

The case was brought to court after a series of investigations and inspections. Sophie Read, representing the RSPCA, detailed the disturbing findings to the magistrates. On May 23, 2024, a police officer attending a different matter at Alabaf’s residence in Wouldham noticed the dire state of Ceasar. The dog was kept in an extremely hot room, with the floor covered in faeces and urine, and there was no water or food available. When water was finally offered, Ceasar drank it immediately, highlighting his dehydration.

In June, an RSPCA inspector contacted Alabaf, who explained that her son was in prison and that she was responsible for Ceasar’s care. She admitted she could not afford veterinary treatment for the dog’s worsening condition. The inspector observed that after Ceasar was seized, he was found to have prominent bones, ulcerations, and pus leaking from his neck, with inflamed eyes and head. The veterinarian’s assessment confirmed that the dog had been suffering for a prolonged period, with signs of starvation and neglect. The last veterinary visit had been in 2018, and the dog had been under her care since March 15 of that year.

Alabaf’s emotional state was evident during a probation interview, where she expressed remorse and acknowledged her failure to care for Ceasar properly. The court also learned that Alabaf, originally from South Norwood in Croydon, South London, had been relocated to emergency accommodation in Wouldham following a violent attack by one of her other sons, who suffers from mental health issues. She sustained injuries during the incident, and her son was subsequently detained in a psychiatric facility.

At the time of the court hearing, Alabaf was living with five of her eight children. The magistrates heard that she was struggling to cope with the trauma from her attack and that some of her children had special needs. Despite seeking help from social services, her requests for support were denied after assessments concluded she did not meet the necessary criteria. The probation officer emphasized that while Alabaf was aware of her responsibilities, she was not in a position to care for Ceasar and should have taken him to a shelter rather than allowing him to suffer.

Defense lawyer Charley Weldrick explained that Ceasar had been cared for in Alabaf’s family home since he was a puppy, but her life circumstances had fallen apart, leading to neglect. Weldrick highlighted her previous good character, her acceptance of responsibility, and her guilty plea at an early stage.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order, requiring Alabaf to complete 10 rehabilitation sessions and perform 200 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £400 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Additionally, she received a lifetime ban from owning or caring for any animals, reflecting the severity of her neglect and the court’s commitment to preventing future incidents in Wouldham and the surrounding areas.