A man from Islington has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for five years after inflicting serious injuries on his two dogs.
Obasi Lennox Mader, was found guilty of four animal welfare offences, including attempting to strangle a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Sage. The dog suffered multiple injuries, including a broken metacarpal bone, spinal damage, broken teeth, swelling to her head, neck and eyes, and a wound on her upper lip.
Another dog, Mr Green, was also found with life-threatening injuries, including a fractured skull and spinal damage. A veterinary examination confirmed that his wounds were consistent with blunt force trauma.
Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard that RSPCA officers attended Mader’s address with police following reports from members of the public about alleged dog beatings. When officers arrived, Mader was aggressive and uncooperative. Both dogs were found cowering at the back of the hallway, visibly frightened.
RSPCA inspectors described the hallway as bare and grimy, with no food, water or bedding provided for the dogs. The animals were seized by police and placed in RSPCA care.
A veterinary report revealed that both dogs had suffered repetitive injuries over time. Sage’s neck and eye injuries were consistent with strangulation, while other wounds were consistent with blunt force trauma.
“I believe that both Sage and Mr Green were suffering physically and mentally due to non-accidental injury… particularly due to the presence of injuries on both of the dogs which were at different stages of healing,” the vet stated.
The report added that Sage would have endured at least seven days of pain due to her fractures and spinal injuries, and a further three days from the strangulation and broken teeth.
Mader received a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. He cannot appeal his animal ban for three years.
Sage was later put to sleep due to severe behavioural issues that could not be overcome, according to the RSPCA. Mr Green, however, has since been successfully rehomed.
Following the sentencing, the RSPCA’s investigating officer said, “It’s completely unacceptable to treat any animal in this way and we will always look into reports of animal cruelty and, where necessary, seek justice for that animal.
“We are very grateful to the witnesses who reported their concerns to us. The RSPCA very much relies on the public to be our eyes and ears and report any concerns about animal welfare.”
