A man who left dogs in cramped and dirty conditions has escaped jail due to ill health.

Nijamul Islam kept Rottweilers, German Shepards and American Bulldogs covered in faeces, urine and with inadequate bedding at Vardalu Pet Hotel, Watford Road, Elstree.

The 39-year-old was found guilty of 25 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs and one charge of failing to meet the welfare needs of 173 dogs and puppies.

After telling the judge his arthritis would deteriorate if he was sent to prison, the Farm Road, Edgware resident, was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence.

He was also ordered to carry out 250 hours of community service and was banned from keeping animals for ten years.

Bedford Magistrates Court heard how Cambridgeshire Police took on a dog, known as Jax, from the hotel which was also used as a guard dog training centre.

Detectives suspected cruelty after Jax was found to be withered and thin, and raided the property with the RSPCA last August, taking 91 dogs to safety.  

Speaking after the case, RSCPA chief inspector Mark Thompson said: “We are satisfied with the sentence handed out today.

“When we arrived at the location I was appalled to see so many dogs and puppies being kept in such unsuitable conditions – it just wasn’t acceptable at all.

“The dogs were just seen as goods to be traded and there just didn’t seem to be any consideration for their welfare whatsoever. It was a horrible sight and I am just glad that we were able to get these dogs out.”

 

Did your dog ever check in to the pet hotel? E-mail aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk or phone 07795 223 610.