Heartbreaking moment: Dogs desperately lap up tap water to save them from disgusting conditions: 29-year-old woman faces trial for animal cruelty

A woman has appeared in court after dogs were rescued from her home in squalid conditions.

Heartbreaking video released by South Yorkshire Police shows the poor animals desperately lapping up tap water in a dirty bathroom covered in mud.

Shelby Russell, 29, from Sheffield, was banned from owning pets for 10 years after she left her cats and dogs to starve to death.

The RSPCA found that Russell’s domestic cats and dogs were living in huge conditions, surrounded by their own faeces. They also suffered from hunger and dehydration after Russell left them unattended for more than a week.

An RSPCA inspector arrived at the house on October 14 last year and was able to see the animals alone on the property.

They sealed Russell’s door to check whether anyone had gained access to the property before the inspector returned two days later.

As no one had entered the property, the inspector called South Yorkshire Police to help rescue the pets.

Russell returned home before police arrived and gave numerous excuses as to why her pets were left in this condition.

Excuses included that she “was in the hospital,” “had a paid dog sitter who didn’t care about the animals,” “left the tap running for the animals 24/7,” and “fed them three times a day.”

When the RSPCA began rounding up and seizing the animals, Russell became aggressive and threatening, pushing an inspector and declaring that she would “stab anyone who tried to take her children.”

After police arrived at the site, she was arrested and taken into custody.

The court heard how footage and photographs obtained in evidence showed the dogs trying to get to the water as soon as it was given and that they continued to drink continuously for several minutes.

After the animals were removed, the veterinarian gave his expert opinion on the condition of the animals and explained that they were very underweight.

No results were obtained to indicate that the animals had health problems that prevented them from eating and their condition improved after the attack.

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

“Leaving them defenseless, locked in cages where they will starve and dehydrate is disgusting behavior.

“Today I am pleased that Russell has been banned from owning any animals for 10 years for the pain and suffering she caused these poor animals.

“We will not tolerate animal cruelty in South Yorkshire and will work with our partners to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“Thankfully this investigation has had a successful outcome and the RSPCA has made good progress in caring for the animals.”

“If you have concerns about an animal in your community, please report it.”

Russell appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was given a 10-year ban on owning animals, a 20-day rehabilitation order and ordered to pay fines totaling £199.