A woman who starved, dehydrated and let her cats and dogs live in their own faeces has been banned from owning animals for 10 years. 

Shelby Russel, 29, of Lupton Road, Sheffield, had been reported to the RSPCA for allegedly leaving cats and dogs with no food or water for over a week. 

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.” 

Russel pushed an RSPCA Inspector when she arrived back to her property, and threatened to ‘stab anyone who tries to take her babies’. This happened two days after an Inspector visited the property, on Saturday 14 October 2023.

The RSPCA Inspector informed the police to support with the removal of animals. After officers arrived at the property, Russel was arrested and taken into custody.

Russel appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 28 October 2024. She was sentenced to a 10 year ban from owning animals, ordered to undertake 20 days rehabilitation, and to pay fines of £199. 

In her police interview, Russel said she had ‘been in hospital’, ‘had paid a dog sitter who failed to care for the animals’, ‘left the tap running constantly’, and ‘fed them three times a day’. 

Sergeant Duffy said: “We will not tolerate animal cruelty within South Yorkshire and will work with our partners to ensure those responsible are put before the courts.”

Since the animals were taken by the RSPCA, their conditions have improved. 
To report any concerns about animal welfare, contact: https://www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern?_gl=1*nr3hm6*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj4K5BhDYARIsAD1Ly2o6-WYT97sU_TUlMH1S4I2QL5WgMAUsXyWmX6H4kjquJEKYnHl-UgwaAs8DEALw_wcB