Rotherham woman handed 10 year animal ban after neglecting dog named Happy
The dog was left in filthy conditions with untreated medical conditions
Last updated 8th May 2026
A South Yorkshire woman has been handed a 10-year ban from owning animals after admitting to neglecting her Bulldog cross named 'Happy.'
Taylor Patterson, 26 and of Stringers Croft, admitted to failing to meet Happy's needs, neglecting to treat ear infections and a limp, and failing to provide a suitable living environment.
She was also fined £576, along with a £230 victim surcharge and £400 in costs.
RSPCA Inspectors visited Patterson's previous home in Sheffield in January 2025 after reports of the dog being left alone.
Tape seals on the door suggested the home was untouched for at least 48 hours.
Inspectors looked through a window, spotting Happy with thickened ears, fur loss, and limping, in a house state of severe neglect filled with mould-covered faeces, urine, and rotting food.
In a witness statement read in court, an RSPCA inspector said:
"The faeces that I could see through the window was widespread, throughout the whole house, with the exception of the top, loft conversion floor."
"There were multiple piles of urine (yellow in colour on hard floor surfaces, and wet patches on the carpet).
"When I entered the kitchen, there was one small, pink bed on the floor, and lots of belongings and debris laying around.
"The kitchen worktops were full of rotting human food, waste, and empty dog food sacks and tins.
"The smell overall was very powerful and unpleasant, but the nearer I got to the kitchen area, the worse the smell got. It was overpowering in that room, and made my eyes water."
Happy was seized and made a good recovery under RSPCA care.
After sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Kim Greaves said:
"Poor Happy was in a very sorry state when we rescued him, and it was tough to see a sweet little dog like him struggling with several health issues.
"It’s so important that we as pet owners make sure our animals are given the right veterinary treatment.
I’m glad to say that since being rescued, Happy has thrived under the care of our amazing teams, and we can soon look forward to finding him a loving new home."
The court heard Patterson suffered from mental illness at the time of the offences.