02/02/2010 : Wardens rescue dogs kept in cruel conditions

A Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) tenant who was keeping illegal dogs in a state of squalor in his Brent property, was arrested and taken into police custody on 7th December 2009.

The Stonebridge Safer Neighbourhood Team contacted BHP about a property on Pitfield Way, as they had noticed a window in the property had been left open for several weeks. The police tried to contact the resident several times but to no avail.

BHP's Neighbourhood Wardens were called to the scene and asked to patrol the location. They made several attempts to reach the resident and make sure they were safe and well. Unfortunately the Wardens could not get through to anybody from the house. They also noticed a very bad smell emitting from the flat and called the police.

The police attempted to break down the door and dogs started to bark from within. This was the first time they were heard. The police then called the dog unit who gained access to the flat via the open window. A female dog and two puppies were taken by the dog unit, who advised that the dogs had been left with no food or water and that the flat was full of urine and dog faeces. When the occupant of the flat finally arrived, he was arrested. Police used his key to secure the flat.

Jane Lambert, Warden Services Manager said: "BHP's Neighbourhood Warden Service is dedicated to ensuring residents of Brent enjoy a safe and peaceful environment. We carry out regular patrols and if something appears suspicious, we go above and beyond to investigate and take immediate action. The wardens also have strong ties with local services and work with the police on a daily basis to deal with such threats to community safety."