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Case Details
Case Snapshot
Case ID: 15668
Classification: Beating, Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: horse
More cases in Lawrence County, TN
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Horse abuse alleged
Lawrenceburg, TN (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009
County: Lawrence

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 3 files available

Alleged: Michael Welch

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Video captured by a concerned neighbor has prompted an investigation into possible animal abuse in Lawrence County.

For months Terry Robinson said he has seen the people who live at 15 Lillie Lane starve and beat three horses and a donkey.

Robinson took video Sunday showing the group using a rope, then a truck and finally a stick to move a collapsed horse.

On Monday NewsChannel 5 went to the home looking for answers, but they were chased away by loose dogs and the home appeared empty.

As for the fate of the horse videotaped, a tarp covered what appeared to be a dead horse.

A sergeant for the Lawrence County Sheriff's department said the case was being investigated. No charges have been filed at this point.


Case Updates

he Lawrenceburg man under investigation for abusing his horses spoke out against the accusations. Michael Welch said the home video of him trying to revive the collapsed horse was misleading.

On Sunday Welch's neighbor, Terry Robinson, videotaped Welch and his family with a collapsed horse. The horse in that home video eventually died.

Welch said they followed an Amish vet's advice and shot the animal. While many are questioning what happened, Michael said he has not and never will abuse an animal.

"She was suffering. You could tell she was in a world of hurt," said Welch.

Welch viewed his treatment of animals much different than his neighbor. Robinson said the video proved animal abuse and Welch disagreed.

"If they would have saw it I guarantee they would have done the same thing," said Welch.

He said the horse was malnourished when he got it a month ago, and on Sunday Welch said the horse collapsed into a barbed wire fence.

"When she fell out it must have messed up her hip or something. We tried every which way known to man to get it up," said Welch.

The group used a rope, then a truck and finally a stick to save a collapsed horse. Welch said at no point did they beat the horse.

"You spank the horse on the butt to get it to go. That's what he was doing. We had the front of it up and couldn't get the back up. It knew to go when he started," said Jonathan Francis.

After twelve hours of trying to save the horse, Welch decided to put the animal down.

"How did you guys euthanize her?" asked reporter Eric White.

"12 gauge," said Welch.

Welch's neighbor accused him of animal abuse and neglect, Welch said the sight of his horses prove they are well fed. He claimed his neighbor was complaining because he had an agenda.

"I think it's just cause he just don't want to see the horses - pure and simple," said Welch.

NewsChannel5 showed video of Welch's horses to a veterinarian who specializes in horses. The vet did not wish to speak on camera.

He said, in his opinion, all of Welch's horses appear to be underfed. He also disagreed with the methods used in dealing with the collapsed horse.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department said a report had been filed in the case.
Source: News Channel 5 - July 27, 2009
Update posted on Jul 29, 2009 - 3:15AM 

References

  • « TN State Animal Cruelty Map
    « More cases in Lawrence County, TN

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    Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

    For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.



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