CONVICTED (2023) | Daniel Welbourne, born c. 1964, of Thurnham Street, Lancaster LA1 – failed to get veterinary treatment for a young border collie found straying and in significant pain

Welbourne was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the male border collie named Reggie.

He let the badly injured dog roam unsupervised in the city while he was in ‘significant pain and distress’ and had lost the use of both of his back legs.

Reggie was suffering from a severe flea infestation and a suspected broken pelvis when he was collected by an RSPCA officer after being found collapsed in a garden on August 14, 2022.

Despite his lack of mobility, he had been regularly allowed to wander the streets in the week before he was found and had not been seen by a vet.

In court, Welbourne admitted one charge of causing unnecessary suffering, following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

The court heard how Reggie was rushed to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital after the charity had been called by a concerned member of the public.

On arrival, he was reluctant to get up from a sitting position or attempt to get down from the kennel in the back of the officer’s van.

After being lifted out onto the ground, his body language was that of an extremely uncomfortable dog who was tense, hunched up, panting heavily and fearful of making any attempt to change position or walk, the court was told.

Severely lame in both back legs, Reggie would cry out in pain after trying to walk just three or four metres.

He was carried into the hospital and had to be sedated to allow vets to examine him.

Spinal or neurological problems were thought to be the most likely issues after x-rays ruled out chest, pelvic and rib injuries.

In evidence to the court, one of the examining vets said: “Reggie was likely to have been in significant pain and distress throughout this week.

“He was unable to express normal behaviour and was suffering significantly both with severe pain, and with fear and anxiety related to the expectation of further pain.

“His owner failed to present Reggie for veterinary care during this week, despite him showing clear evidence of pain and injury.”

Welbourne was interviewed by RSPCA inspector Amy McIntosh on August 22.

He told the officer he didn’t think he had done anything wrong and that he thought his dog would get better on his own.

Despite being given strong painkillers and anti inflammatories, Reggie’s condition sadly did not improve in the days that followed and he remained in significant discomfort, becoming distressed during handling.

The veterinary team who were caring for him advised Welbourne that he was suffering and the kindest thing to do would be to put him to sleep, which his owner consented to.

Speaking about the case Inspector McIntosh said: “This was an extremely sad case as Reggie was only a young dog and his owner should have sought veterinary help at a much earlier stage.

“His welfare needs were clearly not being met and despite the fact he was severely lame in both back legs, he was left to roam unsupervised, prolonging his pain and putting him in even further danger.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work. Ordered to pay a total of £250 in costs and surcharge. RSPCA’s costs of £1667.88 are to be paid from central funds. Four year ban on keeping dogs (expires January 2027).

Lancashire Post
ITV News