ALI NAZAM'S CRUELTY IN SALTLEY: HORRIFIC EARS INJURY TO DOBERMAN PUPPY GEORGIA

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Ali Nazam, a resident of Saltley, Birmingham, has been found guilty of inflicting severe injuries on a young doberman puppy named Georgia. The incident, which drew the attention of the RSPCA, highlights the ongoing issue of illegal and harmful practices such as ear cropping and improper post-surgical care.

Ali Nazam, born around 1996 and residing at 97 Highfield Road, Saltley, Washwood Heath, Birmingham B8 3QE, owned Georgia for only five weeks before her rescue. The puppy, originally born in Serbia and imported from Hungary, was subjected to a series of neglectful and painful procedures that ultimately led to her suffering. The RSPCA was alerted in January 2022 after veterinary professionals expressed concern over Georgia’s condition, which was brought into the clinic by Nazam himself.

Upon examination, veterinarians discovered that Georgia’s ears were in a dire state. Both ears were severely lacerated, with flesh exposed and infected. The ear flaps were visibly separated from her head, emitting a foul odor indicative of infection and necrosis. The injuries included deep cuts at the base of the ears, with significant pus accumulation, blood-filled pinnae, and infected ear canals. These injuries were consistent with improper and potentially dangerous ear cropping practices.

Further investigation revealed that Nazam had attempted to alter Georgia’s ears by taping and applying sticks, actions he claimed to have undertaken on January 12, 2022, after receiving advice from Georgia’s previous owner in Serbia. He stated that he had taped the ears and used sticks to keep them erect, but the following day, he noticed blood, indicating that the procedure had gone wrong. A veterinary report detailed the severity of the injuries, stating that the application of tape had likely caused the extensive lacerations. The report explained that the tape might have been applied too tightly, cutting into the skin, or left on for too long, causing pressure necrosis.

The veterinary experts concluded that Nazam’s actions failed to meet the standards of good practice and that Georgia’s welfare was severely compromised. The injuries were so extensive that the vet had no choice but to surgically remove both of her ear pinnas to prevent further suffering. Despite her traumatic injuries, Georgia has since made a full recovery under the care of the RSPCA and has found a new, loving home.

Inspector Boris Lasserre, who led the investigation for the RSPCA, expressed his concern about the rising trend of ear cropping and taping among dog owners. He emphasized that these practices serve no benefit to the animals and are often motivated by superficial aesthetic preferences. Lasserre stated, “There are no benefits to dogs, it’s simply a fashion trend that compromises dog welfare. There is no evidence of any benefit to performing cropping or taping of dogs’ ears. It’s heartbreaking to see dogs, like Georgia, mutilated and forced to suffer simply because their owners consider it to look more attractive. Animals are not toys or accessories, they deserve our care and respect.”

In sentencing, the court handed down a 12-week suspended prison sentence, ordered Nazam to pay £3,000 in costs, and mandated 200 hours of unpaid work along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Additionally, Nazam was banned from owning or keeping dogs for life, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the court’s stance on animal cruelty.