Sheffield woman banned for 10 years after dog neglect case
Court bans Sheffield woman from owning pets over animal neglect
A court has summoned a woman after authorities rescued dogs living in dreadful conditions from her home. A video shared by South Yorkshire Police depicted the desperate animals drinking water from a tap in a bathroom filthy with dirt.
Shelby Russell, aged 29 from Sheffield, faces a 10-year ban on owning pets after neglecting her cats and dogs to the point of starvation. The RSPCA found Russell’s pets confined in a home filled with faeces, suffering from starvation and dehydration due to a week’s neglect.
On October 14 last year, an RSPCA inspector observed the animals left alone in the house. To monitor access to the home, the inspector sealed Russell’s door, returning two days later to find no one had entered. With the situation unchanged, the inspector sought assistance from South Yorkshire Police to rescue the animals.
A woman who left her animals to starve to death has been banned from owning animals.
Shelby Russel, 29, of Lupton Road, gave the @RSPCA_official and officers an extensive list of excuses as to why her animals had been starved and dehydrated.
https://t.co/c1vnHKCbpX pic.twitter.com/UUrUcAkhB1
— South Yorkshire Police (@syptweet) October 29, 2024
Russell returned before police arrived, offering various excuses for her neglect, including hospitalisation, an unreliable dog sitter, and claims of providing continuous water and regular feeding. As the RSPCA began seizing the animals, Russell exhibited aggression, threatening the inspectors and physically confronting one of them.
Police arrested her upon their arrival at the scene. Evidence presented in court showed dogs frantically drinking water once provided, continuing to drink for several minutes. A vet’s assessment revealed the animals were extremely underweight without any medical conditions preventing them from eating; their health improved post-rescue.
Dog Legislation Sergeant Matt Duffy emphasised the need for animals to be cared for, condemning the neglect as unacceptable. He expressed satisfaction with Russell’s 10-year ban and stated South Yorkshire’s commitment to prosecuting animal cruelty. Thanks to the investigation, the animals have been recovering well under RSPCA care.
Russell appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, receiving a 10-year animal ownership ban, 20 days of rehabilitation, and fines amounting to £199.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Shelby Russell summoned to court?
Shelby Russell was summoned for neglecting her pets, leading to their starvation and dehydration.
What conditions were the animals found in at Shelby Russell’s home?
The animals were found in a home filled with faeces, suffering from starvation and dehydration.
What did the RSPCA do when they discovered the neglected animals?
The RSPCA rescued the animals with police assistance and began seizing them from the home.
What was Shelby Russell’s punishment for neglecting her pets?
She received a 10-year ban on owning pets, 20 days of rehabilitation, and a £199 fine.
How are the rescued animals doing now?
The animals are recovering well under RSPCA care after the rescue.
