YASMIN SATTER OF WEDNESFIELD STARVES BULL TERRIER ZEUS TO SKIN AND BONE IN WOLVERHAMPTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Yasmin Sattar, a resident of Portcullis Drive in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, has been found guilty of causing severe suffering to her pet dog, Zeus, a bull terrier. The incident, which took place over a period of nearly a month, involved the deliberate starvation of the animal, leaving him emaciated and in a critically weak state.

The case came to light after concerned members of the public contacted the RSPCA, prompting an inspection of Sattar's property in Wolverhampton. When inspectors arrived, they discovered Zeus in a deplorable condition, sitting on a wooden chair in the garden. The dog was brown and white, and his ribs and bones were clearly visible through his skin, indicating extreme malnutrition. The animal appeared lethargic and unresponsive, a clear sign of the suffering he had endured.

Yasmin Sattar, a mother of three, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Zeus between January 28 and February 25, 2023. The RSPCA swiftly seized the dog and transported him to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment. The veterinary assessment confirmed the severity of Zeus’s condition, stating that he had experienced unnecessary suffering due to hunger, weakness, and emotional distress. The report emphasized that Zeus had been subjected to this ordeal for at least four weeks, if not longer, and that such suffering could have been prevented had Sattar provided proper nutrition and sought veterinary help earlier.

Following his rescue, Zeus’s health showed signs of improvement, with his weight increasing under the care of veterinary professionals. Despite this, the damage inflicted was profound, and the case drew attention to the broader issue of animal cruelty and the responsibilities of pet owners.

Before her actions, Sattar had shared numerous images of Zeus as a puppy on social media, which starkly contrasted with his current condition. Her actions prompted condemnation from animal welfare advocates and local authorities alike.

Ben Jones, the RSPCA inspector who led the investigation, expressed his dismay at the case. He stated, “Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met. Providing food and water is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Owning an animal is a privilege — and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them. It’s sad that, in this instance, the owner of Zeus failed to provide him with a suitable diet and as a result, allowed him to suffer for a prolonged period of time.”

In court, Sattar was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, she was banned from owning dogs for five years, a restriction that will remain in effect until February 2029. The case also highlighted the impact of Breed Specific Legislation, which recently expanded to include XL Bullies, leading to the heartbreaking decision to put Zeus to sleep due to his breed. This tragic outcome underscores ongoing debates about breed-specific laws and their implications for animal welfare.