KINGSTON UPON THAMES WOMAN GARINEH AZARIAN STARVES PUPPY TO DEATH IN BRUTAL CASE

Garineh Azarian, also known as Karina Azarian, born around 1970 and residing at Ridge House, Morecoombe Close, Kingston upon Thames, has been convicted of a tragic case of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike.

Azarian was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her one-year-old Havanese dog named Coco, a case that drew significant attention from the RSPCA and local authorities. The inspector involved in the investigation described Coco as “the thinnest dog” she had ever encountered, highlighting the severity of the neglect and malnutrition that the animal endured.

Initially, Azarian entered a plea of not guilty, denying any allegations of cruelty and insisting that Coco had not suffered. She also refused to accept responsibility for the dog's deteriorating condition. The case was heard at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where it was revealed that Azarian was considered to be of previous good character and was described as a “vulnerable” individual. Despite these factors, the court found her guilty of the charges.

In October 2022, Azarian took Coco to a veterinary clinic after the dog became lethargic and started vomiting. However, she refused to allow the veterinary staff to administer antibiotics once they examined Coco and discovered his painfully emaciated state. The vet assessed Coco’s body condition score at just one out of nine, indicating extreme malnutrition.

Following this, RSPCA inspectors Francesca Tambini and Dale Grant visited the veterinary practice with the intention of seizing Coco and involving police authorities. Tragically, Coco died shortly after their arrival. Inspector Tambini recounted her distress upon seeing the dog’s condition, stating, “When we arrived, I thought that the dog looked dead already. There was a blanket over him, so that his head was visible and it appeared to be on some sort of drip supplement.”

She described the scene as heartbreaking: “When the blanket was pulled back, the ribs on the dog were visibly protruding, and he was missing quite a lot of fur… The dog looked like a skeleton. A few minutes after we arrived, the dog passed away.”

Despite efforts to resuscitate Coco, the veterinary team was unsuccessful. Ms. Tambini noted that one veterinarian was “extremely upset and crying” over the case. An examination of Coco’s remains revealed that he had likely suffered from neglect for some time prior to his death. A veterinary professional involved in the treatment commented, “Despite the investigation and intensive treatment that Coco had with us, I believe that he was suffering prior to arrival and it was far too late to be able to save him.”

During interviews, Azarian claimed she was feeding Coco a raw and plant-based diet, asserting that she had been giving him a diet consisting of approximately 3% of his presumed three-kilogram body weight since March 2022. She believed Coco’s scratching and hair loss were due to overeating and dietary detoxing, dismissing the need for vaccinations, antibiotics, or worming treatments.

Veterinary post-mortem examinations painted a grim picture, revealing that Coco had suffered from chronic malnutrition which ultimately led to his death. The report also identified a high burden of lungworms, a preventable parasitic disease that could have been managed with routine worming treatments. Experts concluded that Coco’s needs were not being met, and Azarian failed to recognize the signs of malnutrition, weight loss, and poor health, neglecting to seek veterinary advice in a timely manner. This neglect allowed his condition to worsen, causing unnecessary suffering and his eventual death.

In sentencing, Azarian was ordered to complete 300 hours of community service, pay court costs, and was banned indefinitely from owning or caring for animals. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect in Kingston upon Thames.