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

Shelby Russell, 29, who left her cats and dogs without food or water and living in their own feces, has admitted animal cruelty charges.

RSPCA inspectors said Russell claimed she had been hospitalized and blamed a dog sitter who failed to look after the animals.

In addition to the ban, Russell, of Lupton Road, Sheffield, was ordered to undertake 20 days of rehabilitation and pay a £199 fine at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

According to South Yorkshire Police, an RSPCA inspector attended Russell’s property on October 14, 2023 following reports that his pets had been left for more than a week without food or water .

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

When no one did, police were called to help remove the animals.

Russell then returned to the property and offered “a list of excuses” about the condition of her pets, claiming she had left the tap on “24/7” and “the had fed three times a day.

When the RSPCA began seizing the animals, Russell became aggressive, shoving an inspector and threatening to “stab anyone who tried to take my babies”, according to police.

Footage played in court showed Russell’s dogs “scrambling” to get to the water once it was given to them and drinking continuously for minutes.

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

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

“Disgusting behavior”

Dog Law Enforcement Sergeant Matt Duffy said: “Animals deserve to be cared for and loved.

“Leaving them defenseless, locked in cages to starve and dehydrate is disgusting behavior.

“I am happy that Russell will be banned from owning animals for 10 years because of 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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