ELLE STEEL – HALIFAX, WEST YORKSHIRE

2026 – A woman from Huddersfield has avoided immediate custody after admitting animal welfare offences linked to the death of her dog.

Elle Steel, 24, of Spaines Road, appeared before Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on January 5, where she pleaded guilty to offences under animal welfare legislation. The court heard that her tan and white dog, Bruce, was found in an extreme state of neglect.

Steel was handed a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely. Magistrates described the case as among the most serious they had encountered but said custody was avoided due to her caring responsibilities and lack of previous convictions.

Bruce was taken to a veterinary practice in August last year after Steel reported that he had died suddenly at home following weight loss. A post-mortem examination later revealed severe emaciation, muscle wastage, flea infestation and long-term malnutrition. His body condition score was assessed as one out of nine, indicating extreme starvation.

Veterinary findings also noted visible ribs, spine and hip bones, sunken eyes, pressure sores and gastric ulceration consistent with prolonged lack of food. It was concluded that the dog’s condition had deteriorated over a period of weeks, if not months.

The RSPCA became involved following the examination, and Bruce’s body was seized for further investigation. An inspector later visited Steel’s home, where she claimed the dog had “always looked like that” and said she was unsure how he had died.

Following sentencing, the RSPCA said the case highlighted the importance of seeking urgent veterinary care when an animal’s health deteriorates. Steel was also ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.