A Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Zeus died in distressing conditions after being left alone in a cold, filthy utility room in Sheffield for over a week without food or water, a court has heard.
The dog, found in a cage on a dirty blanket in the property on Colley Road, Parson Cross, was discovered by RSPCA investigators on January 12, 2024. Zeus had been left alone by his owner, 28-year-old Hannah Smith, who admitted to leaving the animal unattended, but claimed she believed another person was coming to care for him.
In court, the RSPCA revealed the shocking details of Zeus’ suffering. The dog’s body was found in a metal cage, covered in feces and surrounded by overturned food bowls, with his bones visibly protruding from extreme malnutrition.
Smith, who was responsible for the dog at the time, has been banned from owning animals for 10 years and sentenced to a two-year community order, including 250 hours of unpaid work.
The court heard that the neglect was discovered after Smith raised concerns with the RSPCA. She had last seen Zeus alive on January 4, 2024, in the locked utility room, where she described him as being ‘thin’ and malnourished. She explained that although she had provided food and water before leaving, she grew worried that the person she trusted to care for Zeus was not visiting the property.
When RSPCA Inspector Leanne Booth arrived at the flat with police on January 12, they found the door sealed with charity locks, confirming reports that the dog had been left alone. Inside the utility room, the scene was harrowing: Zeus’ body was found in a state of rigor mortis, his ribs, hips, and skull clearly visible due to severe weight loss.
The RSPCA inspector detailed the shocking condition of the room: “The floor was covered in a large amount of feces, making it almost impossible to walk without stepping in it. Mixed in with the mess were traces of dry dog food. Three silver bowls were found, one overturned in the feces, the others dry. The cage contained a dirty blanket and the lifeless body of Zeus.”
A veterinary examination revealed that Zeus weighed just 14kg (2.2 stone) and had a body condition score of 2/9. The vet confirmed that Zeus had likely suffered from severe malnutrition, dehydration, and possibly painful skin conditions. The cause of death was determined to be starvation and neglect, compounded by an unsuitable living environment that left the dog cold, alone, and in agony.
Smith, who lives in another part of Sheffield, was questioned about the incident and admitted that she had believed someone else was coming to collect the dog. Despite her claim of no ill intent, she acknowledged that Zeus would not have survived in such conditions.
Sentencing Smith, District Judge Tim Spruce said she had failed in her duty of care for Zeus, describing the dog’s suffering as “prolonged” and “horrific.” He stated: “You had a responsibility to ensure Zeus was cared for. If you were unable to do so, you should have made arrangements for someone else to take over.”
In addition to the community service, Smith was ordered to pay £750 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Her solicitor expressed remorse, attributing the incident to Smith’s mental health struggles and stating that the case was a “tragic incident.”