EMMA-LOUISE WELLAND FROM BRITWELL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AND ANIMAL CONTROL VIOLATION IN SLOUGH

Emma-Louise Welland, born around 1971 and residing at Wavell Gardens, Slough SL2 2EJ, became the focus of a serious animal welfare investigation after it was revealed she had falsely claimed to have discovered a dying elderly dog in the woods of Britwell. On June 12, 2018, Welland contacted the Slough Borough Council’s neighbourhood enforcement team, asserting that she had found the dog, named Rasher, abandoned in Bluebell Woods. She then stated she had taken the dog home to care for him, presenting herself as a concerned citizen.

However, the truth was far more disturbing. Rasher was not an abandoned animal but was actually Welland’s own pet, suffering from severe neglect. The dog was in a dire state, suffering from extreme malnutrition, muscle wastage, and a skin condition that indicated prolonged suffering. When taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, Rasher’s condition was so critical that veterinarians determined nothing could be done to save him, and he was euthanized approximately a week later.

The veterinary examination confirmed that Rasher was suffering from dangerous weight loss, malnutrition, and a serious skin infection, all signs of prolonged neglect. Following the incident, authorities launched an appeal to identify Rasher’s true owner. Several individuals came forward, and it was conclusively established that Welland was responsible for the dog’s suffering.

In light of these findings, Welland admitted to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, in violation of Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The case was complicated by Welland’s initial false report, which hindered the investigation. Ian Blake, the council’s neighbourhood manager, explained that Welland’s fabricated story was a significant obstacle, as she attempted to shift blame onto the council and claimed to have found Rasher abandoned. Blake emphasized that extensive efforts by veterinary professionals and kennels were necessary to support Rasher, but his condition had deteriorated beyond recovery.

Blake expressed his disappointment and acknowledged the emotional toll of the case, stating, “Everyone involved in this case found it difficult to come to terms with what happened to Rasher. The actual facts of the matter would never have come to light if people had not come forward with information during the council’s publicity campaign, and I would like to thank those who did.”

Councillor Pavitar K Mann, responsible for regulation and consumer protection, commented on the case, saying, “Emma Welland was identified after Slough Borough Council launched a search for Rasher’s owner when we believed he had been abandoned. To discover that the woman who tried to portray herself as a hero was actually responsible for his suffering is deeply upsetting. As a council, we will continue to gather information that can lead to prosecution through the justice system.”

In sentencing, Welland received a community order that included 40 hours of unpaid work, a 12-month supervision period, and 15 days of rehabilitation activities. She was also ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £145. Additionally, she was banned from owning or keeping any animals for five years, a ban that expired in March 2024.

Further issues arose in March 2022, when Welland was found in possession of a cat despite her previous ban from owning animals. On March 17, 2022, she pleaded guilty to owning, controlling, or influencing a cat, breaching her disqualification. The court imposed a fine of £80, along with an order to pay £800 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge. This case was reported by the Slough Observer, highlighting ongoing concerns about Welland’s conduct regarding animal welfare.