Ban for woman who left pets to starve in squalor

The dogs were severely dehydrated and underweight when found by officers

A woman who left her pets to starve in squalid conditions has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Shelby Russel, 29, who left her two cats and three dogs without food or water and living in their own faeces, admitted animal cruelty charges.

RSPCA inspectors said when confronted, Russel claimed she had been in hospital and blamed a dog sitter who had not looked after the animals.

In addition to the ban, Russel, of Lupton Road, Sheffield, was ordered to undertake 20 days rehabilitation and pay £199 in fines at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Monday.

According to South Yorkshire Police, an RSPCA inspector attended Russel's property on 14 October 2023 following reports that her pets had been left for more than a week with no food or water.

The dogs were so thirsty, they drank from the tap for several minutes, RSPCA officers said.

The inspector, who could see the animals alive inside the property, placed seals on the door to monitor if anyone would access the property over the next two days.

When no-one did, police were called to assist with the removal of the animals.

Russel later returned to the property and presented "a list of excuses" about the state of her pets, claiming she had left the tap running "24/7" and "fed them three times a day".

When the RSPCA started to seize the animals, Russel became aggressive, pushing an inspector and threatening to "stab anyone who tries to take my babies", according to police.

Footage played in court showed Russel's dogs "scrambling" to get to water once it was given and drinking continuously for minutes.

Russel pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and breaching the duty of a person responsible for an animal to ensure its welfare.

She also admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and assault by beating.

'Disgusting behaviour'

Dog legislation sergeant Matt Duffy said: “Animals deserve to be cared for and loved.

“Leaving them defenceless, locked in cages to starve and dehydrate is disgusting behaviour.

“I am pleased that Russel has been banned from owning any animals for 10 years for the pain and suffering she inflicted on these poor animals."

Sgt Duffy said since their seizure last year, the animals had all improved.

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