SAJID HUSSAIN FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL CAT ATTACK IN BLACKBURN

Sajid Hussain, a resident of Blackburn, has been convicted and sentenced for a heinous act of animal cruelty that took place on Ripon Street. Born on February 5, 1972, Hussain was found guilty of battering a six-month-old kitten named Mia with a mop handle, resulting in her tragic death. The incident drew significant attention due to the brutality involved and Hussain's criminal background.

According to court proceedings, Hussain, who also faced charges related to drug dealing, specifically heroin and crack cocaine, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the innocent feline. The court detailed how Mia, a beloved pet of Hussain’s former partner, endured a cruel and painful death after being attacked by him. Although Mia did not die immediately, she succumbed to her injuries the following day. Her owner, Hussain’s former partner, was prevented from taking her to the veterinarian, leaving the cat to suffer through the night in agony.

The prosecution, led by Carmel Wilde, explained that the relationship between Hussain and the woman had lasted four years but had ended six months prior to the incident, which occurred in November 2021. Initially, Hussain visited her home and behaved politely, but his demeanor quickly changed. The woman, who was suffering from depression at the time and had not left her house for three weeks, described her bond with Mia, stating, “She loved the cat, which was called Mia, and it had helped to have it with her when she was depressed. She said the cat never left her side.”

On the day of the attack, Hussain entered the bedroom where Mia was resting. He objected to the cat being on the bed, initially moving her to the foot of the bed. However, he soon declared he had had enough and proceeded to put a lead around Mia’s neck, dragging her out of the room. When Mia returned, Hussain grabbed her again and forcibly removed her from the space. During this ordeal, the woman heard Mia screaming, along with banging noises, and Hussain calling her a ‘little bitch’.

The woman, who had gone to the bathroom, heard the distressing sounds and saw Mia with blood coming from her mouth, ears, and paws. She attempted to help by mopping the blood from Mia’s mouth, but the cat was gurgling and her head was flopping from side to side. Despite her efforts, Mia was too frightened to be taken to the vet immediately. Hussain refused to allow her to be taken, claiming he would get into trouble. The following morning, Mia was still breathing but eventually died, her injuries too severe to survive.

After Mia’s death, the woman contacted a friend who came to her aid. Hussain, when confronted, dismissed the incident by saying that Mia would be “fine in paradise.” The RSPCA was called to the scene, and Mia was transported to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. Veterinarians discovered she had a fractured skull, severe brain hemorrhaging, and fractured claws, indicating she had fought back against her attacker before losing consciousness.

Hussain’s criminal history was also brought to light during the trial. His previous convictions include an assault in 2011 and a manslaughter conviction related to an honor killing in Denmark in 1997. The court also noted his long-standing issues with drug misuse and mental health problems.

Hussain pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Mia and was sentenced to five months in prison for animal cruelty. In addition, he received a 35-month sentence for his drug-related offenses. Furthermore, he was banned for life from owning or caring for any animals, a measure intended to prevent future cruelty. The case has highlighted the severity of animal abuse and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions in Blackburn and beyond.