IMRAN AND JUNAID ALI FROM DEWSBURY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG MAX

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Dewsbury community, father and son Imran Ali and Junaid Ali, residents of Broomer Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury WF13 3DF, have been found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to a dog named Max. The incident, which came to light after a visit from RSPCA animal rescue officers, revealed the heartbreaking condition of the Staffordshire bull terrier, who was kept in deplorable circumstances.

According to reports, the officers, Hannah Williams and Jenny Anderson, arrived at the Ali family home in the Ravensthorpe area to investigate concerns about the welfare of Max. Inside a wooden shelter in an outdoor run, they discovered the dog covered in blood, visibly suffering from severe injuries. Max was so weak that he could not stand or walk, and blood was seeping from a wound on his neck. The officers had to carefully carry the injured animal to their vehicle to transport him to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment.

Hannah Williams described the scene in her statement to the court, saying, “Max was very wobbly on his feet and he would not walk out of his shelter, so we used treats to entice him out. He had blood covering most of his neck, front legs, paws, and shoulder, and there was a strong pungent smell, possibly of infection. Max’s ribs, hips, and spine were clearly visible.” When questioned about the duration of Max’s suffering, Junaid Ali admitted that the dog had been in this condition for “two days,” and later suggested it could have been as long as “one week, maybe.”

Further investigation was carried out by RSPCA Inspector Adam Dickinson, who visited the Ali residence on January 2, 2024. During his visit, he learned that the dog had not been seen outside the kennel for several days. The defendant claimed that they regularly walked Max, but he had recently refused to leave his enclosure and had begun losing weight. Despite providing worming tablets, there was no improvement in Max’s condition. Inspector Dickinson noted that Ali had pulled Max out of the kennel and observed the dog covered in blood. Ali suggested that the injuries might have been caused by rats or the kennel itself, but admitted he could not afford to seek veterinary help, prompting him to ask his son to contact the RSPCA.

Both Imran Ali and Junaid Ali pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by neglecting to provide veterinary treatment and failing to investigate the dog’s weight loss and pressure sores. They also admitted to neglecting the basic needs of Max. A post-mortem examination revealed that Max had six puncture wounds across his shoulders, inflicted by another dog, which had become infected. The veterinary assessment scored Max at just one out of nine on the body condition chart, indicating extreme emaciation. Additionally, pressure sores were found on his wrist, elbow, ankle, and pelvis, likely caused by prolonged immobility, as confirmed by a vet from the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that Junaid Ali suffers from severe learning difficulties. It was also noted that Imran Ali was not Max’s owner “in recent times,” which added context to the case.

In sentencing, Imran Ali received an 18-week jail term, which was suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activities and perform 300 hours of unpaid work. Junaid Ali was given 10 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work. Both men are permanently banned from owning or keeping animals. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder to the community of Dewsbury about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.