AMAN KAHSSAY FROM ROATH, CARDIFF, SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG HOLLY IN BRUTAL CASE

Aman Kahssay, a resident of Claude Road in the Roath district of Cardiff, was found guilty in 2023 of neglecting and causing suffering to his pet dog, Holly. The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the dog's condition and the failure of Kahssay to seek proper veterinary care.

According to court records, Kahssay was responsible for a Staffy-type dog named Holly, who was suffering from a large mammary tumor that had become ulcerated and infected. The neglect was evident when RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels visited Kahssay's property on June 15, 2022. During the inspection, she observed Holly in apparently normal physical condition—alert, mobile, and in a typical body state. However, she also noted a disturbing sight: a large, orange-sized mass on the dog's left underside abdomen.

Inspector Daniels described the mass as open and cavernous, with no skin covering half of it. The internal tissue was pink, with fleshy pockets and a honeycomb-like appearance. Although there was no visible discharge, a foul smell of infection was present, and flies were beginning to gather around the area, indicating the dog's suffering was severe.

Following this inspection, a call was made to a veterinary clinic, which confirmed that Holly had last been seen by a vet on March 2, 2022, after her neighbors had taken her in. Unfortunately, the owner, Kahssay, had not authorized euthanasia, and no further contact was made with the veterinary practice. Despite the dog's deteriorating condition, Kahssay refused to agree to euthanasia, even when the vet advised that Holly was in pain and that the tumor was inoperable.

In response, the RSPCA arranged for Holly to be taken to a veterinary clinic. The vet confirmed that her condition had worsened significantly, and she was suffering. The vet strongly recommended euthanasia to end her pain, but Kahssay declined this option. Instead, he was provided with two weeks' worth of palliative care, including pain relief, steroids, and antibiotics, with a firm recommendation that Holly be euthanized at the end of this period. An appointment was scheduled for this purpose, but Kahssay later canceled it. Although another appointment was later booked, he failed to attend.

Despite multiple attempts by inspector Daniels to contact Kahssay—leaving voicemails and trying to speak with him directly—he remained unreachable. The situation escalated, and on August 24, South Wales Police executed a warrant at Kahssay's residence in Roath. The court heard that Kahssay's actions were driven by a lack of intent to harm, as he claimed Holly was a beloved pet whom he did not want to euthanize. He expressed regret for his neglectful actions but failed to take the necessary steps to ensure her well-being.

In sentencing, Kahssay received a 16-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, pay a victim surcharge of £154, and cover costs amounting to £200. Additionally, he was disqualified from owning any animals for a period of eight years, a ban that will expire in August 2031. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of animal cruelty cases and the importance of responsible pet ownership.