DANIEL WELBOURNE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN LANCASTER: VETERINARY NEGLECT LEADS TO DOG'S SUFFERING AND DEATH

Daniel Welbourne, a resident of Lancaster, has been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a young border collie named Reggie, a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates and the local community alike.

Reggie, a male border collie, was found in a severely distressed state after suffering from a suspected broken pelvis and a severe flea infestation. The incident came to light on August 14, 2022, when an RSPCA officer responded to a report of a collapsed dog in a garden in Lancaster. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Reggie had been allowed to roam freely in the city, despite being in obvious pain and unable to walk properly.

It was revealed that Reggie had lost the use of both of his back legs, a condition that had persisted for at least a week prior to his rescue. Despite his evident suffering, Welbourne had failed to seek veterinary treatment for his dog, allowing him to remain in a state of significant pain and distress. The RSPCA took immediate action, and Reggie was transported to their Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for urgent care.

Upon arrival, the veterinary team observed that Reggie was reluctant to move, showing signs of extreme discomfort. His body language indicated he was tense, hunched, and panting heavily, clearly fearful of any further movement. The dog was so lame that he could only walk a few meters before crying out in pain. To facilitate examination, Reggie was sedated, and X-rays were performed to assess his injuries. The results suggested spinal or neurological issues, with no evidence of chest, pelvic, or rib injuries.

One of the attending veterinarians testified that Reggie had likely been in severe pain and distress throughout the week leading up to his rescue. The vet emphasized that the dog was unable to exhibit normal behavior and was suffering both physically and emotionally, due to the pain and the anxiety of expecting further injury. Despite clear signs of injury and suffering, Welbourne admitted in court to causing unnecessary pain and neglecting to seek veterinary care.

In a subsequent interview with RSPCA inspector Amy McIntosh on August 22, Welbourne claimed he did not believe he had done anything wrong and thought Reggie would recover on his own. However, despite administering strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, Reggie’s condition did not improve. His suffering persisted, and he became increasingly distressed during handling. The veterinary team advised that the kindest course of action was to euthanize Reggie to end his pain, a decision that Welbourne ultimately agreed to.

Inspector McIntosh described the case as profoundly tragic, criticizing Welbourne for neglecting his pet’s welfare. She pointed out that Reggie was still young and that his owner should have sought veterinary help much earlier. The inspector highlighted that leaving Reggie to wander unsupervised only prolonged his agony and increased his risk of further injury.

In court, Welbourne was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £250 in costs and surcharge, with the RSPCA’s expenses of £1,667.88 to be covered from central funds. Additionally, Welbourne received a four-year ban on keeping dogs, which will expire in January 2027. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty towards animals in Lancaster.