A man from London who was found guilty of inflicting horrific injuries on his two dogs has been disqualified from keeping all animals for five years following an RSPCA prosecution.
Obasi Lennox Mader (DOB 19.06.1990), of Sussex Way, Islington, was convicted of four animal offences including trying to strangle a Staffordshire bull terrier called Sage who also had a broken metacarpal bone, spinal damage, broken teeth, a wound on her upper lip and swelling to her head, neck and eyes.
A second dog called Mr Green also suffered injuries at the hands of Mader and his injuries included a fractured skull and spinal damage and a veterinary examination confirmed the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma.
Highbury Corner Magistrates Court heard how the RSPCA went to Mader’s address with police after receiving calls involving allegations of dog beatings from members of the public.
Mader was immediately aggressive towards the officers and uncooperative. As soon as he opened the door and walked into the hallway both dogs cowered down at the back of the hallway, lying on the floor and leaning away from him. The investigators said they were both very clearly fearful of him.
Both dogs had marks and scars in various places on their bodies and they were seized by police who passed them over into RSPCA care.
In her statement the RSPCA Inspector said: “Sage had an obvious swelling to the back of her head and her right eye was squinted. The hallway appeared bare and grimy and there did not appear to be any provisions for the dogs such as food, water or beds.”
A veterinary examination carried out later concluded the appearance of both the fractures and wounds on both dogs were consistent with repetitive injury. The injuries to Sage’s neck and eyes were consistent with strangulation. Her other injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma – it is likely she was kicked, struck with a blunt object or thrown from a height onto the ground.
A veterinary report read out to the court said: “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.’
“I estimate that Sage would have suffered at a minimum for seven days due to the metacarpal fracture and spinal injuries and for at least three days from the strangulation injury and broken teeth.”
As well as the five year ban, which Mader cannot contest for three years, he also was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. District Judge Baker also ordered him to complete 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.
Mitigation was heard in court that Mader was the main carer for his young daughter and partner.
Unfortunately Sage had to be put to sleep due to severe behavioural issues that could not be overcome but happily Mr Green has since found a new, loving home.
Following the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, October 28, 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.”
