CONVICTED (2021) | Humza Saleem, born 10 December 1997, of 36 Belgrave Road, Hounslow TW4 7BY – set his ‘fighting’ dog on a pig, killing it, and kept thousands of images and videos of barbaric animal fights on his phone. Investigations were launched by the police after a pig was found to have been killed by a dog – the second such attack in the area. Police investigating the scene found a clean black designer wallet which had been recently dropped in a muddy field. Saleem was identified through items in the wallet by police and bailed pending investigation. During the subsequent investigation Saleem’s mobile was examined which revealed thousands of disturbing images and videos, depicting animal fights, foxes and pigs being killed by dogs and dogs of a banned breed being trained on a treadmill. Hertfordshire Police reported the case to the CPS who then authorised Saleem to be charged with a number of animal cruelty offences. Saleem originally pleaded not guilty but changed his plea at an appearance at St. Albans Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 September. He was convicted on two counts of causing an animal fight to take place, two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, criminal damage, four counts of keeping an animal to use for animal fights and owning a prohibited pitbull-type dog. ROST Sergeant Ryan Hemmings, who oversaw the operation, said: “This investigation uncovered some of the most disturbing animal cruelty offences I have ever come across. “I would like to thank everyone involved with the investigation for working under some very upsetting circumstances to get this dangerous individual exposed and banned from keeping animals. “Our work continues to trace others who are believed to be involved in this sickening criminal network. If you have any information which may assist, please contact police directly. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, to give information anonymously.” Ashley Petchey, senior crown prosecutor, said: “This case demonstrates the lengths to which offenders will cause animal fights to take place, regardless of the risks to themselves, their animals and others in the wider community. “The CPS worked closely with the police to build a strong case against Humza Saleem and we would like to thank Hertfordshire police for their diligence and hard work during the investigation. “We will continue to collaborate with the police to bring offenders of these disturbing crimes to justice.” Sentencing: 23 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years; ordered to pay £1,584 in kenneling costs to Hertfordshire Constabulary and £128 to the owner of the pig. Banned from owning animals for life. Destruction order for his dog. This is Local London CPS News