We must prosecute cruelty to animals

Published: 26th May, 2011

• FIRST I want to say that I was very impressed by the way you reported the very sad story about the inhumane conditions of the animals found in the pet shop in Queen’s Crescent in Malden Road. 

For me it raised several questions about how Camden Council’s inspectors not only granted a licence recently to the owner, but apparently inspected the shop on more than one occasion over the last few months and saw no reason to take any action. 

Was it that they visited the shop but did not inspect the premises properly, not visiting the basement where most of the animals were kept in appalling conditions?  

I hope that someone is prosecuted for animal neglect and cruelty. Someone must have known the animals were left unattended. 

Also I hope that the council inspectors do a report and learn from this case how to improve their service and not allow this sort of incident to happen again; and inform members of the public what action(s) they are going to take. 

What is heartening about this story is how the neighbours and locals and others, including journalists, responded and the surviving animals were saved.

I am encouraged that at least concerned members of the public were not prepared to ignore this situation and spoke out and took action to find a solution.
Sian Whitehead
Sandstone Place, N19