JEWAN SHIKHO'S SHOCKING ANIMAL ABUSE IN SALFORD PET SHOP REVEALED

Jewan Shikho, a man born around 1991 and residing at Cheshill Court, Marlborough Road, Salford M7 4SD, has been at the center of a disturbing case involving the neglect and mistreatment of animals at his pet shop in Salford. The case came to light after environmental health officers from Salford City Council conducted an inspection of his establishment, known as Pets Place, located on Great Cheetham Street East.

During their visit, the officers uncovered appalling conditions that demonstrated a blatant disregard for animal welfare. The shop was found to be in a state of severe neglect, with animals kept in squalid and unsanitary environments. Among the most tragic findings was the death of a goldfish, which had been caused by Shikho unplugging the fish tank’s pump to charge his mobile phone. This act resulted in the oxygen supply being cut off, leading to the fish’s suffocation. Fortunately, four other fish were rescued from the same tank after the oxygen pipe was left without power, highlighting the neglectful conditions under which the animals were kept.

In addition to the fish, a dead parakeet was discovered amidst piles of excrement, indicating a lack of proper care and hygiene. Baby rabbits were also found roaming freely around the shop, their hutches insecure and inadequate for their safety. The rabbits appeared to be in poor health, and the RSPCA was called in to remove them. A follow-up inspection revealed that Shikho had removed the aviary where the birds were kept, further demonstrating his failure to maintain proper animal housing standards.

The inspection revealed that the shop’s conditions were not only unsanitary but also illegal. Shikho had breached 23 conditions of his pet shop license, including failing to provide documentation on the origin of the animals or details of their subsequent sales. It was evident that he cared little for the animals’ welfare, focusing solely on profits. The court heard that he had no regard for the legal requirements under The Pet Animals Act, to which he pleaded guilty for failing to comply with the licensing conditions.

Shikho, believed to be of Kurdish nationality, had initially refused to respond to phone calls and messages from officers, necessitating a warrant for entry into his shop in August 2016. The authorities’ intervention was prompted by a formal complaint from the public. The subsequent investigation confirmed the neglect and poor conditions, leading to the revocation of his pet shop license and his disqualification from owning or managing a pet shop for five years, a ban that expired in May 2022.

As part of his sentencing, Shikho was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was required to pay costs and charges amounting to £940. The case drew significant attention from local media, including the Manchester Evening News and The Sun, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting it.