ZAINAB AYINLA FROM STOCKWELL SENTENCED FOR STARVING DOG TO DEATH IN LONDON

Zainab Ayinla, a resident of Loughborough Park in Stockwell, London SW9 8TP, was found guilty in connection with the tragic death of her dog, Patch. Born on May 14, 1986, Ayinla’s neglect led to the animal’s severe suffering and eventual demise, prompting a court case that highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Patch, a dog whose condition became a heartbreaking case of animal cruelty, was admitted to a veterinary hospital on December 17, 2022. The veterinary team was shocked by his emaciated state, having lost an alarming 13 kilograms since his last visit just seven months earlier. The veterinarian described his condition as “shocking,” noting the extent of his suffering.

Prior to this tragic event, the court heard that Ayinla had contacted the veterinary hospital two months earlier, raising concerns about Patch’s weight loss. Despite this initial contact, she failed to attend a scheduled follow-up appointment, which could have potentially provided an opportunity for intervention. On December 17, Ayinla called the vet again, reporting that her dog could no longer walk, was showing signs of distress, and was experiencing laboured breathing along with sporadic twitching.

By the time she managed to bring Patch to the veterinary clinic, the dog had already died. A post-mortem examination revealed a disturbing detail: the presence of 92 grams of plastic material in his stomach, indicating that he had been suffering from extreme hunger and possibly scavenging for food. The examination concluded that the primary cause of death was severe malnutrition, with no underlying medical condition identified. It was clear that Patch had access to food but was deliberately deprived of it, leading to his starvation.

The veterinarian involved in the case described Patch’s condition at the time of presentation as “shocking,” emphasizing the significant weight loss, long nails, bed sores, and urine scalding that indicated prolonged neglect. The vet stated, “Considering Patch’s presentation on December 17 and the missed appointment in November, it is my professional opinion that Patch endured a considerable period of suffering until his death. Had the owner brought him in sooner, we might have been able to help him, either medically or through providing better care.”

During the court proceedings, Ayinla’s defense claimed she had “done everything she could for the dog,” asserting that she had sought advice regarding worming and Patch’s weight loss. However, there was no record of such consultations in the veterinary hospital’s documentation, raising questions about her claims.

Animal welfare inspector Philip Norman, from the RSPCA, who investigated the case, expressed his concerns about the responsibilities of pet owners. He stated, “Animals rely entirely on their owners to meet their needs. Providing food and water is fundamental. Owning an animal is a privilege, and ensuring proper care is a key part of that responsibility. It is very sad that, in this case, the owner failed to provide Patch with a suitable diet, allowing him to suffer for an extended period.”

In sentencing, the court imposed a fine of £300 and ordered Ayinla to pay £800 in court costs. Additionally, she received a ten-year ban on owning or keeping dogs, reflecting the severity of her neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws in London.