YOUSEF JOUICHAT AND AMEER KHAN OF JARROW CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG

Yousef Jouichat, born around 1988, and Ameer Khan, born approximately in 1996, both residents of Pickering Court in Jarrow with the postcode NE32 3JJ, have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty. The charges stem from a disturbing case where the brothers starved their three-year-old female American bulldog, named Liner, to death over a period of at least two months.

According to reports from the RSPCA, the brothers' neglect was uncovered when they brought the deceased dog to a veterinary clinic to inquire about cremation arrangements. The vet, suspicious of their explanation, contacted RSPCA inspectors. One inspector described Liner’s condition as the worst case of neglect she had encountered in her career. The dog was found to be skeletal, suffering from a chronic skin condition, and had overgrown nails, indicating prolonged suffering and neglect.

During court proceedings, the magistrates heard that Jouichat and Khan claimed they had been visiting relatives in Cardiff during the two months leading up to the dog’s death. They also alleged that they had entrusted Liner’s care to a man named Ali, whom they claimed to have met on a football pitch. However, the prosecution, represented by Neil Taylor for the RSPCA, pointed out that the brothers’ accounts were inconsistent and that they could not substantiate the existence of this individual.

Neil Taylor emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating, “It’s a pretty clear case of neglect. Over a prolonged period, they starved an American bulldog named Liner to death.” He further explained that the brothers had claimed the dog was a fussy eater, which caused her weight to fluctuate, but the vet’s examination revealed a different story. The vet noted the dog’s nails were overgrown, and her emaciated state was undeniable.

Adding to the evidence, the brothers fabricated a story about leaving the dog in the care of a man named Ali, who they claimed was met on a football pitch. The prosecution argued that this story was false and that the brothers could not afford the necessary medication for the dog, implying that their neglect was deliberate and without remorse. The case was considered a clear example of prolonged cruelty and neglect.

Both Ameer Khan and Yousef Jouichat pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to take reasonable steps to meet the dog’s needs. The offences occurred between September 2 and October 2, 2017, culminating in the dog being taken to Blythman and Partners veterinary clinic on the latter date.

RSPCA inspector Rachael Hurst described the case as the worst she had encountered in her five years with the organization. She recounted the dog’s condition as being “like a skeleton,” with a horrendous smell, and expressed her disbelief at the level of suffering endured by Liner before her death. Inspector Hurst also noted that there had been no prior calls or concerns raised about the dog’s welfare, making the neglect even more shocking.

District Judge Roger Elsey acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating, “It clearly is a serious case. It merits punishment, and if you had any previous convictions it would be a custodial sentence.”

In sentencing, Ameer Khan received an 18-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation program. He was also ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £385. Additionally, Khan was given a lifetime ban on keeping animals, with no right of appeal for 15 years.

Yousef Jouichat was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, along with 100 hours of unpaid work and a 20-day rehabilitation requirement. He was ordered to pay costs and charges amounting to £415. Like Khan, Jouichat received a lifetime ban on keeping animals, with no right of appeal for 15 years.