After her dogs were compelled to live in abhorrent conditions until they were fortunately saved, a lady was hauled before the courts.
In a heartbreaking video released by South Yorkshire Police, the poor animals can be seen frantically lapping at water from a tap in a filthy bathroom.
Shelby Russell, 29 from Sheffield, has been banned from owning pets for 10 years after she left her cats and dogs to starve to death.
The RSPCA found Russell’s dogs living in filthy circumstances with their own excrement all around them. Additionally, Russell had neglected them for more than a week, causing them to become malnourished and dehydrated.
On October 14 of last year, an RSPCA inspector visited the house and saw the animals by themselves.
They placed seals on Russell’s door to see if anyone gained access to the property before the inspector returned two days later.
The inspector summoned South Yorkshire Police to assist in rescuing the creatures because no one had entered the premises.
Russell made a number of justifications for why her dogs had been left in such a state when she returned to the house before the police arrived.
The excuses included that she had ‘been in hospital’, ‘had paid a dog sitter who failed to care for the animals’, ‘left the tap running 24/7 for the animals’ and ‘fed them three times a day’.
As the RSPCA began to catch and seize the animals, Russell became aggressive and threatening, pushing an inspector and stating she ‘would stab anyone who tries to take her babies’.
She was detained and placed under arrest when police arrived at the property.
The court heard how footage and photographs obtained for evidence showed the dogs scrambling to get to water once it was given and that they continued to drink continuously for minutes.
After the animals were seized, a veterinarian provided a professional assessment of the animal’s condition and the reasons they were so underweight.
No findings indicated that the animals’ health problems prevented them from eating, and their ailments had improved following their seizure.
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 today that Russell has been banned from owning any animals for 10 years for the pain and suffering she inflicted on these poor animals.
‘We will not tolerate animal cruelty within South Yorkshire and will work with our partners to ensure those responsible are put before the courts.
‘Thankfully this investigation had a happy ending, and the animals were making good progress with their care within the RSPCA.
‘If you have concerns about an animal in your community, report it.’
Russell appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to a 10-year ban from owning animals, ordered to undertake 20 days of rehabilitation and pay fines totalling £199.
When will courts utilise the Welfare Act to properly punish these individuals? She should have received a life ban and a non-custodial sentence.
The legislation on animal cruelty is insufficient, and those who mistreat animals should have their permission to own an animal withdrawn as soon as they are found guilty.
However, the RSPCA believed that the dogs were abandoned. You could clearly see that they had been, but they sealed the doors and still waited two more days and put these dogs through misery.
She should have been given a prison sentence, but all the prisons are full to the brim at the moment, so there is no room at the inn. However, this woman is a cruel excuse for a human being and she should have had a lifetime ban because she is an awful person with no regard for anything that breathes. I sincerely hope this woman doesn’t have any children of her own.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 