ZACK ZIZZLA FROM SOUTH CROYDON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG LACEY

Zack Zizzla, a resident of Beckford Road in South Croydon, was found guilty of multiple counts of animal cruelty in a case that shocked the local community. The incident came to light after police responded to a call at his home on July 14, 2016, where they discovered a severely malnourished dog named Lacey. The dog was in a dire state, with visible ribs indicating extreme starvation, and a large, fresh cut on the top right side of her head. The police report detailed the scene: rubbish strewn across the floor, a rusty cage where the dog was kept, and a metal rod lying nearby.

During the court hearing held at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on December 6, 2016, Zizzla admitted to five counts of animal cruelty. The police investigation revealed that Lacey had sustained injuries consistent with repetitive blunt force trauma, which a veterinarian confirmed caused significant pain and suffering. The vet also noted that her skull was deformed, and bruising was present above both her eyes, along with cuts and bruises on her head. These injuries had persisted for at least two weeks, indicating ongoing abuse.

Authorities found a metal bar in Zizzla’s home, which was suspected to be the instrument used to inflict the injuries. The police described the scene as smelling strongly of rubbish and neglect, with the dog attempting to eat from empty biscuit packets on the floor. The officers observed that Lacey was trying to survive in a filthy environment, clearly suffering from neglect and physical abuse.

Zizzla claimed that he had rescued Lacey from another owner who had mistreated her and that she had been attacked by two larger dogs shortly before the police arrived. However, the veterinarian’s findings contradicted this account, indicating that her injuries were caused by repeated blows from above, not a single attack. The police also noted that Zizzla had previously been banned from keeping animals for two years following a similar case of mistreatment in 2006.

During the court proceedings, Zizzla’s defense lawyer, Lynn Roberts, expressed remorse on his behalf, citing his diagnosis of schizophrenia and limited capacity to care for himself and animals. She stated that Zizzla did not originally intend to keep a dog and that Lacey was taken from a situation of mistreatment. Roberts acknowledged that Zizzla’s care for Lacey had been inadequate and that he fully accepted his failure to provide proper care.

The magistrates, led by Chair Terry Carpenter, condemned the cruelty inflicted upon Lacey. They described the injuries as “frightening” and emphasized that the suffering had likely been prolonged over a significant period. The court highlighted that animals cannot ask for help, and the extent of the abuse warranted serious legal action. Recognizing Zizzla’s remorse but considering his previous conviction, the court decided to impose a sentence of 12 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, along with a fine of £200 to cover costs and charges. Additionally, Zizzla was given an indefinite ban on keeping any animals, with the possibility of applying for the ban to be lifted after ten years, in December 2026.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws in South Croydon and beyond.