SAJIDUR RAHMAN FROM MILE END SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PETS IN LONDON NW4

In a disturbing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates and residents alike, Sajidur Rahman, born on October 4, 1997, and residing at 16 English Street, London E3 4TA, was found guilty of inflicting severe cruelty upon multiple pets, including cats and a dog, in the Mile End area and surrounding parts of London. The court proceedings revealed a series of distressing incidents captured on video, which ultimately led to Rahman’s conviction.

It was a member of the public who first brought the case to the attention of the RSPCA after viewing two videos depicting the abuse of cats. These videos showed Rahman physically assaulting and mistreating the animals, prompting the charity, accompanied by police officers, to conduct a thorough investigation. Their search led them to a property located on the Belle Vue Estate in Hendon, London NW4, in February 2024.

The residence was a modest one-bedroom ground-floor flat that emitted a strong smell of cat urine, indicating poor hygiene and neglect. The property belonged to Rahman’s partner’s father, but investigators observed signs that other individuals had also been residing there. Inspector Nicole Broster from the RSPCA described the scene, noting the presence of a litter box filled with cat feces in the hallway, which underscored the neglectful conditions.

Inside the flat, three cats were roaming freely: Amir, a male Bengal with brown rosetted markings; Bonnie, a female tabby and white domestic cat; and Pippin, an elderly female tortoiseshell domestic shorthair. The investigators also discovered numerous other animals, including a friendly apricot/tan standard poodle named Ayda. Behind a closed door in a cluttered, poorly ventilated room, they found an additional 19 cats, some of which appeared to be in a state of malnutrition, with prominent spines, ribs, and hips.

All 22 cats, along with Ayda the dog, were seized by authorities. Investigators also recovered a flip-flop that resembled the one Rahman was seen wearing in the videos, along with a further video featuring Rahman that was later provided to the RSPCA for review.

Veterinary expert Dr. Sean Taylor examined all three videos and provided a detailed report. His review confirmed that Rahman was seen hitting and kicking Ayda, the dog, as well as kicking Amir and stamping on Felix, a black and white domestic short-haired cat. An x-ray later revealed that Felix had sustained a fractured rib, which was consistent with the injuries seen in the footage.

Dr. Taylor described the incidents, noting that on December 23, 2023, Rahman appeared to kick Ayda to the right side of her jaw and attempted to punch her in the head, causing her significant fear and distress that likely lasted several seconds or more. On December 28, Rahman was seen restraining Amir, pinning him to the ground, lifting him, and then kicking him forcefully in the body. The same day, Felix was subjected to severe abuse, being thrown to the ground with such force that he appeared disoriented and insensible, followed by a stamp on his chest. The x-ray confirmed a fracture of Felix’s fourth right rib, with healing signs indicating the injury occurred around the time of the abuse.

Dr. Taylor concluded that all three animals suffered due to Rahman’s actions. Ayda experienced fear and distress for at least a few seconds, possibly longer. Amir endured pain, fear, and distress for hours or more, while Felix suffered pain, fear, and distress for at least ten days, with the possibility of a longer recovery period.

Following the investigation, Rahman and his ex-partner moved out of the property. Most of the animals, except for three cats that remained in the care of his ex-partner’s father, were relinquished to the RSPCA. Many of these animals have since been rehomed and are now in loving, caring environments.

Inspector Nicole Broster expressed her distress over the case, stating, “I found the footage severely distressing and it is deeply upsetting to see the abuse and fear these animals were subjected to. Thankfully, all of the animals involved in the footage have found new loving homes. Rahman inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on these pets. Animals deserve to be shown kindness and respect. There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way.”

In sentencing, Rahman received a 12-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work and 15 hours of rehabilitation. He was also ordered to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, he is banned from keeping animals for ten years, a restriction that will expire in November 2034.