CONVICTED (2019) | Tony Johal, born January 1981, and his mother, Kamaljit Kaur Johal, born c. 1949, both of Woodland Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 0ET – for the severe neglect of an English bull mastiff.
Tony Johal and Kamaljit Kaur Johal admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a the dog, named Cyrus, who was found in a condition described by magistrates as ‘horrific’.
Animal welfare officers from Birmingham City Council visited the pair’s home on 20 July 2018 following a complaint regarding the welfare of a dog at the address. The complaint stated that the dog had scabs, blood and insects all over his body.
Officers found that the dog, named Cyrus, was being kept in a dirty wooden kennel with only bare earth to lie on. He was emaciated and suffering from a severe, widespread skin infection, with open sores and cracked skin which bled when he moved. He was also covered in flies.
The person in charge of Cyrus at the time was Kamaljit Kaur Johal who claimed there was nothing wrong with the dog other than he was old. Cyrus’s owner, who spoke to the officers on the phone, was identified as her son, Tony, who lived at the same address.
Cyrus was removed by officers and taken immediately for veterinary treatment, where he was found to be in such appalling condition that he was put to sleep on welfare grounds. The vet confirmed Cyrus had been caused unnecessary suffering.
Sentencing |
Tony Johal: 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years; fined £615.
Kamaljit Kaur Johal: was fined £404.
Both were banned from keeping animals for 10 years, with no right of appeal.