YASSAR HUSSAIN FROM ROTHERHAM CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO BELGIAN SHEPHERD DELI

Yassar Hussain, born in May 1986 and residing at 46 Aldred Street in Rotherham, has been found guilty of animal cruelty after neglecting a young Belgian Shepherd named Deli. The distressing case came to light when Deli was discovered suffering from multiple untreated injuries, which had been left to worsen over several days, causing her significant pain and suffering.

Hussain, who is the sole director of the vehicle recovery company S60 Recovery and Transportation Ltd, admitted to a single offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 during a court hearing held in December 2023. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of Deli’s condition and the circumstances leading up to her rescue.

On June 30, 2022, Hussain took Deli to a PDSA veterinary clinic in Sheffield for treatment. However, concerns about her welfare were raised when the examining veterinarian contacted the RSPCA, alarmed by the extent of her injuries. A report from RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Sara Jordan described Deli’s condition five days after her visit to the vet. She was described as being in a 'lean body condition,' with extensive wounds covering all four limbs. Notably, there was a large open wound on her right foreleg and an infected abscess in the armpit area of her left foreleg.

DCI Jordan further explained that Deli was receiving pain relief and antibiotics at the time of her assessment. The dog was covered in criss-cross scratches and bite wounds, indicating prolonged neglect and suffering. During her interview with DCI Jordan, Hussain claimed that just four days prior to taking Deli to the vet, she was lively, jumping and playing. He also stated that she had given birth at a property on Sheridan Drive, Rotherham, on June 28, 2023, and it was at this point that he noticed a wound on her right foreleg.

The court heard from the PDSA veterinarian who examined Deli and provided a detailed written statement. The vet noted that Deli was underweight, with milk expressed from all nipples, suggesting she had given birth to multiple litters before. Her coat was matted and covered with pus and dark matter, indicating poor hygiene and neglect. Despite pain relief administered overnight, Deli appeared uncomfortable, especially on her forelimbs. The left forelimb was swollen and oozing pus, with several wounds across all four limbs, some of which were not fresh. The most significant wound was located on her right forelimb near the elbow, which could not be fully examined while she was conscious.

The veterinarian concluded that Deli had endured unnecessary pain and suffering due to the neglect of her wounds, which had been present for several days. The extent of swelling and infection suggested that her injuries were not recent but had been left untreated for a considerable period. The veterinarian also observed that, once her fur was clipped, older wounds were revealed, further indicating prolonged neglect.

During mitigation, the court acknowledged that Hussain had rehomed another dog he owned, and it was noted that he had eventually recognized, albeit very late, that Deli required urgent veterinary care. Deli was surrendered to the RSPCA by Hussain during the investigation and was subsequently cared for at the charity’s Hull & East Riding Branch animal centre. Thanks to the efforts of the RSPCA, Deli made a full recovery and was successfully rehomed to a loving family.

In sentencing, Hussain received an 18-month community order, which includes 120 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 days of rehabilitation activities. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £750. Additionally, he was banned from owning or keeping a dog for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his neglect and the importance of safeguarding animal welfare in the future.