SAM HUSSAIN FROM GOOLE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO GERMAN SHEPHERDS IN YORKSHIRE

Sam Hussain, a man born around 1951 and residing at The Tanglewoods, Bridge Close, Airmyn, in the town of Goole, Yorkshire, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty charges in 2023. The case centered around his neglect and mistreatment of two elderly German Shepherds, Tina and Tyson, which ultimately led to their euthanasia due to the severity of their suffering.

Hussain’s actions, or rather his failure to act, drew significant condemnation from animal welfare authorities. He was found guilty of neglecting the dogs’ long-standing medical issues and failing to provide them with the necessary veterinary care. The neglect was so severe that both dogs had to be put down to end their pain and suffering. The court’s decision also included a prohibition order, disqualifying Hussain from owning or caring for any animals for a period of ten years.

The RSPCA conducted an inspection of Hussain’s property in January 2022, revealing appalling conditions that the dogs endured. Tina, a female German Shepherd, was found in a state of severe neglect, with a thick, matted coat, a foul smell, and significant hair loss, especially on her back where the hair was clumped and matted. She was tethered with a heavy chain within a small, circular area of just seven feet, which was inadequate for her needs. Tyson, an older male, was discovered in a dilapidated outbuilding that lacked doors and was cluttered with old machinery, tools, cars, and scrap metal. He was chained to a metal pillar and curled up on a pile of rubble, living in conditions that were both hazardous and unsuitable for a dog of his age.

During the investigation, Hussain initially only agreed to surrender Tyson to the RSPCA. Veterinary examinations revealed that Tyson was suffering from an untreated, painful tumour along with other debilitating health issues. Due to the extent of his suffering, it was decided that euthanasia was the most humane option. Similarly, Tina was found to have an untreated painful tumour. After Hussain finally agreed to sign her over to the RSPCA, she was also euthanised to prevent further pain.

Claire Mitchell, the deputy chief inspector of the RSPCA, expressed her outrage at Hussain’s neglect. She stated, “It was this individual’s legal responsibility to care for his dogs and he failed to do this. There was no excuse for not providing those two poor dogs with their basic needs and failing to seek veterinary care for them when it was abundantly clear that they so desperately needed it.”

Inspector Mitchell emphasized the tragic nature of the case, noting, “In my opinion, both dogs were living in bare, desolate conditions which were wholly inappropriate for them, especially taking into consideration their age.”

The court sentenced Hussain to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £800 in costs—£400 for each dog—and a victim surcharge of £128. The court also imposed a ten-year ban on Hussain owning or caring for animals, aiming to prevent similar cases in the future.