FINSBURY PARK WOMAN PRESICILIA BAMEKO SENTENCED FOR STARVING BANNED PITBULL TO DEATH

Prescilia Bameko, a woman residing in the Finsbury Park area of London, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty involving her pet dog. Born on September 11, 1995, Bameko, who is a single mother of four children, was found guilty of neglecting a banned breed dog, leading to the animal's emaciation and suffering.

On January 21, 2024, the dog, a pitbull named Haze, was brought to an animal hospital in a critically poor condition. The veterinary team described Haze as being extremely underweight, with a body condition score of just one out of nine, indicating severe starvation. The dog was also suffering from pressure sores, a clear sign of prolonged neglect and poor living conditions.

Haze's condition prompted immediate medical intervention, and he was subsequently cared for by the RSPCA. Despite efforts to save him, the extent of his suffering was so severe that he was eventually euthanized due to the breed's legal status and the circumstances surrounding his neglect.

During the veterinary examination, the veterinarian discovered and removed several foreign objects from Haze's stomach, including a corn cob, which was found in both his stomach and small intestines, as well as a plastic fork and various pieces of food packaging. The vet described Haze's stomach contents as resembling "the contents of a bin," indicating that the dog had been forced to scavenge for food over an extended period. The veterinarian concluded that Haze had likely been suffering from starvation for several weeks, emphasizing that his condition on presentation was a result of severe neglect.

The veterinarian further explained that, although there might have been an underlying issue such as a chronic obstruction, veterinary intervention should have been sought much earlier to prevent such a tragic outcome. The case highlighted the extent of the neglect and the cruelty inflicted upon the animal.

Following the recovery period, assessments confirmed that Haze was indeed a banned breed, specifically a pitbull, which under UK legislation, necessitated his euthanasia. The court was informed that Bameko's actions were compounded by her personal circumstances, as she was described as a "domestic abuse survivor," which was presented in her mitigation.

In sentencing, Prescilia Bameko received a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she was banned from owning animals for an unspecified duration, in accordance with UK animal welfare laws. The case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of enforcement of legislation to protect vulnerable animals in London and beyond.