SATHESH FERNANDO FROM EAST DULWICH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO COCKAPOO IN LONDON

In August 2023, a disturbing case of animal cruelty emerged from East Dulwich, South East London, involving Satheesh Fernando, a 33-year-old man whose actions towards a young cockapoo named Bruno have sparked widespread concern and condemnation.

Fernando, who was the owner of Bruno along with his then-partner, was found to have inflicted severe injuries on the dog, including multiple broken legs. The case came to light after Bruno was taken to a veterinary clinic in Dulwich in November 2021, suffering from injuries that were initially attributed to an accidental fall or incident involving another dog. The vet reported that Bruno had sustained a collapsed lung and a fractured rib, injuries that raised suspicions about their cause.

Further incidents occurred in July 2022 when Bruno was brought back to the same veterinary surgery after allegedly falling from a tree in a park. During this visit, x-rays revealed that Bruno had a broken left leg. His owner questioned whether Bruno might have a brittle bone disease, given his history of fractures. However, the pattern and severity of the injuries prompted concern among veterinary professionals and animal welfare authorities.

Due to the suspicious nature of Bruno’s injuries, the RSPCA was called in to investigate. Inspector Leanna Hone, who led the inquiry, described the case as deeply distressing. She stated, “Bruno had been taken to the vets with several injuries including two broken femurs, spinal pain, rib fractures, and a punctured lung. The explanations from the owner as to how he’d been injured didn’t seem to add up.”

Inspector Hone further explained that the vet had contacted the RSPCA because they suspected the injuries might not have been accidental. As a result, Bruno was seized from Fernando’s care and placed into the shelter of the animal welfare charity. The investigation revealed that the injuries were consistent with repeated acts of cruelty rather than accidental trauma.

Following the investigation, Fernando was charged and appeared in Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on 28 July. During the court proceedings, he pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences. The case highlighted the severity of the abuse inflicted upon Bruno, who had suffered significantly under Fernando’s care.

In sentencing, the judge acknowledged that while the acts of cruelty were serious enough to warrant immediate custody, Fernando’s remorse, his status as a first-time offender, and the potential impact on his employment led to a more lenient sentence. Fernando was sentenced to a 10-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid work, pay £4,000 in costs, and was banned from keeping any animals for ten years.

Inspector Hone concluded by expressing relief that Bruno was now safe and in a loving new home. She emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable animals from such cruelty and praised the efforts of the veterinary staff and authorities involved in bringing the case to justice.