GURMINDER SINGH HEER FROM STOKE CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN COVENTRY

Gurminder Singh Heer, a resident of Stoke, was found guilty in connection with the severe neglect and mistreatment of a dog and her seven puppies in Coventry. The disturbing case came to light when RSPCA inspector Ben Jones visited Heer’s address at 207A Swan Lane, Stoke, Coventry CV2 4GE, on October 12, 2022. During the inspection, the inspector discovered a Presa Canario named Sasha chained to a fridge freezer with a metal chain. Sasha was in a critically poor state, visibly emaciated with her spine, ribs, and pelvic bones prominently protruding, indicating extreme malnutrition.

Opposite Sasha, inside a rusty metal box, were her seven puppies, approximately three weeks old. The puppies appeared weak and underdeveloped, a direct consequence of their mother’s neglect. With Heer’s consent, the RSPCA took custody of Sasha and her puppies, transporting them to Birmingham Animal Hospital for urgent medical attention. The veterinary examination revealed Sasha’s weight to be just 25.7 kilograms (56.7 pounds), nearly half of the typical healthy weight of around 40 kilograms (88 pounds) for her breed. Due to her fragile condition, she was unable to nurse her puppies, who were consequently weaned earlier than usual.

The veterinarian’s report to the court detailed the severity of Sasha’s condition, stating, “Although some weight loss is expected during lactation, it is essential that the dog receives proper nutrition to minimize this loss. The extent of her poor body condition, coupled with the absence of other health issues on blood tests, confirms she had been suffering from a prolonged period of inadequate nutrition, estimated to be at least three weeks or possibly longer.”

Following proper treatment and a nutritious diet, Sasha gradually regained her health and returned to a weight appropriate for her breed. Within a month of being in the RSPCA’s care, she gained approximately 6 kilograms. When questioned by the magistrate about his veterinary arrangements, Heer admitted he had scheduled a vet appointment for two weeks after Sasha had given birth. However, he explained his delay in seeking help by saying, “I didn’t want her to be kept away from the pups.” Heer also acknowledged his guilt, stating, “Yes, I should have fed her more food.”

Heer attempted to justify his actions by claiming he was not a bad dog owner, pointing out that he had £222 worth of dog food stored in his fridge, which he had been feeding Sasha. Despite his explanations, the court noted Heer’s refusal to accept full responsibility and his apparent lack of remorse for the suffering inflicted on Sasha and her puppies. The magistrates decided against imposing an immediate prison sentence but handed down a suspended eight-week jail term for 12 months, along with 80 hours of unpaid community work, a fine of £400, and a victim surcharge of £128. Additionally, Heer was banned from owning dogs for two years, a restriction that will expire in July 2025.

The seven puppies, having been rescued from neglect, have all been rehomed through the RSPCA. Sasha, now renamed Flora, is available for adoption at the charity’s Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre in Colwyn Bay, Wales, where she can hopefully find a loving and caring forever home.