Sheffield police team wins award for rescuing 400 animals in 'horrific cruelty' case in Darnall
A South Yorkshire Police dog team has won an award for helping to rescue 400 animals living in squalor.
The Dog Legislation Team worked with the RSPCA to remove animals suffering “horrific cruelty” and neglect at allotments on Infield Lane in Darnall.
Dogs, cats, goats, horses, domestic birds, poultry and pigs, were removed from the site.
Officers prosecuted several allotment owners for offences connected to breeding, fighting and neglect, the force said.
The Dog Legislation Team at SYP won the ‘Team Award’ 2025 after being nominated by an RSPCA colleague.
They wrote in their nomination: “This remarkable effort involved addressing a wide range of animal species and managing numerous owners.
“Their work included facilitating rehoming, providing crucial advice, and even prosecuting several allotment owners for severe issues such as breeding, fighting and neglect.
“Throughout this challenging process, officers bravely faced hostile allotment owners and endured threats. They witnessed some horrific animal cruelty and neglect, often working in very difficult and filthy conditions.
“Over several years, more than 400 animals, including dogs, cats, goats, horses, domestic birds, poultry and pigs, were successfully removed from the site.
“The immense time, effort, and commitment invested in this location over the years is truly immeasurable. This was an unparalleled undertaking, where we consistently worked to rescue hundreds of animals and ultimately contributed to the closure of a very sad and cruel place, demonstrating the immense power local partnership working can have for animal welfare.”
The team were awarded their certificate during a presentation in December 2025.
Inspector Steve Usher, of the Dog Legislation Team, said: “Our Dog Legislation Team undertakes a variety of work to protect our communities and the animals living within it.
“It is great that their efforts in such a large-scale operation have been recognised and rewarded.
“A huge well done to all the officers involved in ensuring a better life for these animals.”