LEUSTEAN DUMITRU FROM BIRMINGHAM FACES JUSTICE FOR CRUELTY TO SHIH TZU IN WASHWOOD HEATH

On February 21, 2020, authorities from Birmingham City Council’s Environmental Health department conducted an inspection at a commercial premises located in the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham. During this visit, they discovered a severely neglected Shih Tzu dog, which was in a dire state of suffering due to extreme neglect and poor care. The dog’s fur was so heavily matted that veterinary intervention was necessary, requiring the animal to be anaesthetized in order to be safely clipped and freed from the tangled mess that had accumulated over time.

Upon examination, the veterinary team found that the dog’s skin was inflamed and infected in multiple areas, a clear sign of prolonged neglect and poor hygiene. Additionally, there was evidence of urine scalding on the dog’s hind limbs and groin, indicating that the animal had been living in unsanitary conditions for an extended period. The distress and physical suffering endured by the dog, later named Louie, were evident and deeply concerning.

Following the rescue, Louie was transferred into the care of Ravens Rescue UK, an organization dedicated to rehabilitating neglected and abused animals. Over the subsequent months, the rescue team worked tirelessly to help Louie recover both physically and mentally from his traumatic experience. The process was slow and challenging, as the dog exhibited signs of severe fear and trauma. According to Ravens Rescue, Louie would often cower, hide, and seek refuge in places like the shower base or an open cupboard to avoid human contact. He would urinate out of fear and scream whenever he was touched, illustrating the deep psychological scars left by his previous owner’s neglect.

Despite these hardships, Louie gradually began to trust humans again, thanks to the patience and care provided by his foster carers. His transformation was a testament to the resilience of animals and the dedication of rescue organizations. Now, after the conclusion of the court proceedings, Louie is ready to be adopted into a loving home where he can continue his recovery and live free from fear.

On March 1, 2021, the man responsible for Louie’s suffering, Romanian national Leustean Dumitru, appeared in court and pleaded guilty to charges related to neglect under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Dumitru, born around 1985 and residing on Sladefield Road in Birmingham, was found to have failed in his duty to care for the dog properly. His guilty plea acknowledged the neglect that had left Louie in such a deplorable state.

As part of his sentencing, Dumitru was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service. He was also required to pay a total of £1,895 in costs and charges associated with the case. Furthermore, the court imposed a ten-year ban on Dumitru owning or keeping any animals in the future. A deprivation order was also issued, which now permits Louie to be rehomed to a new, caring family. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of Birmingham City Council and rescue organizations to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect.