GUSZTAV PETROVICS FROM ROCHDALE CONVICTED OVER HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE IN PÉCS AND ROCHDALE

Gusztav 'Guszti' Petrovics, a man originally from Pécs in Hungary and residing in Rochdale, was found guilty in his absence of two serious animal welfare offenses at Manchester Magistrates' Court on November 18, 2019. The case brought to light the appalling conditions under which he kept a large number of dogs, revealing a disturbing level of neglect and cruelty.

Petrovics, who is identified as a Roma gypsy, was accused of keeping 27 dogs in deplorable conditions at his home on Abingdon Close, Rochdale OL11 3PX. The investigation was initiated after the RSPCA received multiple concerned calls from members of the public on January 24, 2019. When inspectors arrived at his residence, they discovered a scene that was both shocking and inhumane. Petrovics openly acknowledged ownership of a significant number of dogs and permitted RSPCA inspector Danni Jennings to inspect the premises.

Inside a metal shed located at the back of his garden, inspectors found seven dog crates filled with dogs and puppies, all stacked in a cramped and filthy environment. The conditions inside the shed were described as grim, with the animals confined in cages that were piled on top of each other. The dogs, which included ten adult female Dachshunds, one male Dachshund, fifteen puppies, and a female terrier-cross, were found lying in their own feces and urine, with no access to food or water. The stench emanating from the shed was overwhelming, highlighting the neglect and inhumane treatment the animals endured.

Veterinary experts who accompanied police and RSPCA officers confirmed that the dogs were not receiving proper care. The animals were seized by authorities and taken into RSPCA custody. During an interview, Petrovics admitted that he had imported the dogs from Hungary, where he grew up, and claimed that he intended to give the puppies to friends. Inspector Jennings described the scene, stating, “The smell from the shed was apparent as soon as we were in the back garden. These dogs were kept in cramped conditions in cages which were stacked on top of each other. They were lying in their own feces and urine — and the smell from the shed was evident as soon as we went onto the back garden. There was also no water or food in the cages for the dogs. The conditions were absolutely appalling.”

The puppies were immediately signed over into the care of the RSPCA and have since been rehomed. The adult dogs, also in poor condition, remain under the organization’s care with plans for rehoming once they recover. As part of his sentencing, Petrovics received a 12-month community order, was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs, and an £85 victim surcharge. Additionally, he was given a five-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in November 2024. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of authorities to combat cruelty and neglect in pet ownership.