Sheffield couple jailed after dogs used to hunt wildlife and kept in squalor
A joint investigation uncovered dogs living in squalor and used to hunt wildlife, resulting in prison and community sentences.
In 2024 the RSPCA and emergency services received reports animals were being neglected in a home in Ecclesfield.
The reports stated the animals were being used to fight and harm badgers and foxes, with videos being shared on social media.
The intelligence prompted a joint investigation involving police, the RSPCA and Naturewatch, with all three organisations working together to build a case.
In June 2024, neighbourhood officers from Sheffield Police executed a warrant at a property on Mill Road in Ecclesfield.
Police used their powers of entry to allow RSPCA inspectors and a vet to enter the home and provide care and treatment to the dogs found inside.
Three dogs, named Beau, Queenie and Toby, were discovered living in squalid conditions, with their kennels covered in urine, excrement and blood.
The male dogs had scarring to their faces from old injuries.
The RSPCA and Naturewatch gathered intelligence from social media and presented the evidence to the court during a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court in January 2026.
The vet who attended the property also gave evidence, stating the dogs had injuries consistent with being used for hunting.
After being injured, the dogs had not been given treatment or taken to see a vet, but were instead returned home to continue living in filthy kennels.
Following the investigation, Scott Lee Helliwell, 53, and Kirsty-Louise Helliwell, 44, pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences.
In sentencing remarks, the judge said Scott Helliwell’s serious offending could only be met with an immediate custodial sentence due to the deliberate disregard for the dogs’ suffering.
He was sentenced to 46 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £587 in fees.
Kirsty-Louise Helliwell was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days and ordered to pay £714 in fees.
Inspector of the Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team Kieran Frain said: “We have zero tolerance for animal cruelty. Those who choose to inflict suffering on defenceless animals will face the full force of the law.
"I want to praise the strength of the collaboration between the policing teams and partner agencies, as well as the community, through submission of intelligence which is essential to bringing these criminals to justice.
“I also hope that this custodial sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour can lead straight to prison.”