A Sheffield woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence after more than 40 dogs were discovered living in squalid conditions at an allotment, with some animals having to be put to sleep.
A Sheffield woman has been sentenced after more than 40 dogs were found living in filthy conditions at an allotment, with some suffering from health problems and inadequate care.
Amini Ato, 52, appeared before Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Monday (Oct 19), following an investigation involving South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield City Council and the RSPCA.
In May 2024, officers and animal welfare inspectors attended allotments on Infield Lane, where they discovered more than 40 dogs being kept in kennels with concrete floors and inadequate bedding.
Some of the animals were suffering from skin conditions, mobility problems and weight loss, while others were panting for water.
The conditions prompted an investigation, with South Yorkshire Police and the RSPCA taking the dogs into their care for urgent veterinary treatment.
Further veterinary examinations revealed evidence that the dogs had been used for breeding.
Two of the animals were also identified as unregistered XL Bullies.
Sadly, some of the dogs had to be put to sleep, although many others were successfully rehabilitated by the RSPCA and later found new homes.
During a police interview, Ato denied the allegations and maintained that she had cared for her animals properly.
However, following the investigation, she was charged and brought before the court.
On Monday (Oct 19), Ato was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
She was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from keeping animals for seven years, with the disqualification suspended for 14 days.
PC Dean Leadwood, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: "What was uncovered was nothing short of heartbreaking and no animal should ever be forced to live in the conditions we found them in.
"It was immediately obvious that the dogs' welfare was never a priority.
"While some dogs had to be sadly put to sleep, many were rehabilitated in RSPCA care and went on to find loving homes.
“This is also an opportunity for anyone looking to buy a dog to carry out checks and research into the breeder and where your puppy is coming from."