LINDA, JOANNA-BETH AND DEAN ROBINSON FROM SHEFFIELD CONVICTED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN PARSONS CROSS
| Red Rose Database
Sheffield Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Sheffield, the Robinson family, consisting of Linda Robinson, her niece Joanna-Beth Robinson, and her nephew Dean Robinson, have been found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty. The family, residing at 50 Adlington Road, Parsons Cross, Sheffield S5 8BS, kept a total of 22 animals in deplorable conditions, with many suffering from neglect, untreated illnesses, and injuries.
Linda Robinson, born on March 13, 1958, along with her relatives Joanna-Beth, born October 1, 1996, and Dean, born December 22, 1993, all pleaded guilty to charges related to failing to provide proper care for 18 animals and causing unnecessary suffering to five dogs and one cat. The case highlights ongoing issues with animal welfare in the Sheffield area, where the family had previously been known to the RSPCA and had received advice and warnings about their responsibilities as pet owners.
Despite these warnings, conditions at their home did not improve. In September 2023, authorities intervened and removed 22 animals from the property, including 13 dogs, five cats, two rats, a snake, and a hamster. Among the animals rescued was a Labrador named Prince, who was found chained to a broken sofa. Prince was suffering from dermatitis and had significant fur loss around his neck, caused by a choke chain and a shock collar he was wearing. His condition was a stark example of the neglect he endured.
Other animals faced similarly dire circumstances. A Chihuahua named Jem was suffering from dental disease, an eye ulcer, osteoarthritis, and a severe heart murmur. Sadly, Jem had to be euthanized to end his suffering. Gizmo, a small terrier, was observed coughing during the officers' visit and was later put to sleep due to severe breathing difficulties. A white hamster named Timmy was also euthanized because of poor health. The list of suffering animals included a black and white cat called Spot, who was afflicted with severe skin disease; Teddy, a Yorkshire terrier with dental issues; Finn, a Shih Tzu with ear and dental problems; and Groot, a male Shih Tzu-type dog suffering from chronic dermatitis. According to a veterinary report, Groot had been left untreated for at least eight weeks, enduring unnecessary pain.
The remaining animals were taken into custody by the RSPCA and subsequently rehomed to ensure their safety and well-being. Inspector Jack Taylor, who led the investigation, described the case as profoundly heartbreaking. He stated, “This was a very sad case involving a large number of animals who were being kept in wholly unsuitable, filthy conditions. I saw a Labrador called Prince who was chained to a broken sofa, cats kept in cages full of faeces, and many of the animals had overgrown claws, were caked in dirt and faeces from walking around the squalid house, and many had dental issues. All the animals I saw had a large flea infestation and many had fur loss from scratching at their fur.”
Inspector Taylor further detailed the appalling conditions inside the property, describing a strong smell of faeces and urine emanating from within the house. He explained that the living room was in an even worse state than before, with the air thick with ammonia, making it difficult to breathe. The dogs inside were seen running, barking, yapping, and fighting among themselves. During the inspection, his colleague, Inspector Booth, discovered two crates filled with faeces, heavily soiled towels, and a dirty plastic dish beneath a tattered sheet covering a sofa. The cages used for the cats were grossly inadequate, and Linda Robinson admitted that the cats were placed in them overnight to protect them from the dogs. The entire downstairs area was covered in filth, with every surface coated in urine and faeces. The floor was so heavily soiled that it appeared as a brown covering, but was in fact trodden-down excrement. The overpowering smell of ammonia was so intense that it caused eye irritation and made it unpleasant to remain inside the house for any length of time.
In court, the Robinson family entered an early guilty plea. As part of the sentencing, Joanna-Beth Robinson was banned indefinitely from owning animals, a restriction also imposed on her uncle Dean and her aunt Linda. The court acknowledged the family’s financial hardships at the time of the offenses, including the death of Dean and Joanna’s mother, which left the family burdened with funeral expenses, and Linda Robinson’s deteriorating health, which was not supported by any benefits. Only Joanna was employed, but her income was insufficient to cover the costs of veterinary care for the animals, leading to difficult decisions about their treatment. The court heard that the animals were considered part of the family, which contributed to their owners’ reluctance to seek alternative options.
Joanna expressed ongoing guilt, stating she now struggles to sleep because of her remorse. Dean, meanwhile, is a full-time carer for Linda, who suffers from serious health issues, including vision loss. The judges described the conditions as “horrendous,” emphasizing the suffering endured by the animals.
Sentencing included a 20-week prison term for Linda Robinson, suspended for two years, along with 10 days of rehabilitation. Dean and Joanna Robinson received the same prison sentence, also suspended for two years, but with additional requirements: 10 days of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid community service. All three individuals are disqualified from owning animals indefinitely, although they have the right to appeal after five years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in Sheffield.
Linda Robinson, born on March 13, 1958, along with her relatives Joanna-Beth, born October 1, 1996, and Dean, born December 22, 1993, all pleaded guilty to charges related to failing to provide proper care for 18 animals and causing unnecessary suffering to five dogs and one cat. The case highlights ongoing issues with animal welfare in the Sheffield area, where the family had previously been known to the RSPCA and had received advice and warnings about their responsibilities as pet owners.
Despite these warnings, conditions at their home did not improve. In September 2023, authorities intervened and removed 22 animals from the property, including 13 dogs, five cats, two rats, a snake, and a hamster. Among the animals rescued was a Labrador named Prince, who was found chained to a broken sofa. Prince was suffering from dermatitis and had significant fur loss around his neck, caused by a choke chain and a shock collar he was wearing. His condition was a stark example of the neglect he endured.
Other animals faced similarly dire circumstances. A Chihuahua named Jem was suffering from dental disease, an eye ulcer, osteoarthritis, and a severe heart murmur. Sadly, Jem had to be euthanized to end his suffering. Gizmo, a small terrier, was observed coughing during the officers' visit and was later put to sleep due to severe breathing difficulties. A white hamster named Timmy was also euthanized because of poor health. The list of suffering animals included a black and white cat called Spot, who was afflicted with severe skin disease; Teddy, a Yorkshire terrier with dental issues; Finn, a Shih Tzu with ear and dental problems; and Groot, a male Shih Tzu-type dog suffering from chronic dermatitis. According to a veterinary report, Groot had been left untreated for at least eight weeks, enduring unnecessary pain.
The remaining animals were taken into custody by the RSPCA and subsequently rehomed to ensure their safety and well-being. Inspector Jack Taylor, who led the investigation, described the case as profoundly heartbreaking. He stated, “This was a very sad case involving a large number of animals who were being kept in wholly unsuitable, filthy conditions. I saw a Labrador called Prince who was chained to a broken sofa, cats kept in cages full of faeces, and many of the animals had overgrown claws, were caked in dirt and faeces from walking around the squalid house, and many had dental issues. All the animals I saw had a large flea infestation and many had fur loss from scratching at their fur.”
Inspector Taylor further detailed the appalling conditions inside the property, describing a strong smell of faeces and urine emanating from within the house. He explained that the living room was in an even worse state than before, with the air thick with ammonia, making it difficult to breathe. The dogs inside were seen running, barking, yapping, and fighting among themselves. During the inspection, his colleague, Inspector Booth, discovered two crates filled with faeces, heavily soiled towels, and a dirty plastic dish beneath a tattered sheet covering a sofa. The cages used for the cats were grossly inadequate, and Linda Robinson admitted that the cats were placed in them overnight to protect them from the dogs. The entire downstairs area was covered in filth, with every surface coated in urine and faeces. The floor was so heavily soiled that it appeared as a brown covering, but was in fact trodden-down excrement. The overpowering smell of ammonia was so intense that it caused eye irritation and made it unpleasant to remain inside the house for any length of time.
In court, the Robinson family entered an early guilty plea. As part of the sentencing, Joanna-Beth Robinson was banned indefinitely from owning animals, a restriction also imposed on her uncle Dean and her aunt Linda. The court acknowledged the family’s financial hardships at the time of the offenses, including the death of Dean and Joanna’s mother, which left the family burdened with funeral expenses, and Linda Robinson’s deteriorating health, which was not supported by any benefits. Only Joanna was employed, but her income was insufficient to cover the costs of veterinary care for the animals, leading to difficult decisions about their treatment. The court heard that the animals were considered part of the family, which contributed to their owners’ reluctance to seek alternative options.
Joanna expressed ongoing guilt, stating she now struggles to sleep because of her remorse. Dean, meanwhile, is a full-time carer for Linda, who suffers from serious health issues, including vision loss. The judges described the conditions as “horrendous,” emphasizing the suffering endured by the animals.
Sentencing included a 20-week prison term for Linda Robinson, suspended for two years, along with 10 days of rehabilitation. Dean and Joanna Robinson received the same prison sentence, also suspended for two years, but with additional requirements: 10 days of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid community service. All three individuals are disqualified from owning animals indefinitely, although they have the right to appeal after five years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in Sheffield.