JAMES LANE FROM BANGOR FACES COURT OVER DOG'S SUFFERING AND NEGLECT

In a case that has drawn significant attention in Bangor, James Michael Lane, born on July 26, 1968, and residing on Groomsport Road, was brought before the court for neglecting a 14-year-old Labrador named Tess. The incident highlights concerns over animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in the Bangor area.

According to court proceedings, the case was initiated after a member of the public contacted an enforcement officer with serious concerns about the condition of a stray dog found in Bangor. The officer responded promptly and upon inspection, observed a large, open abscess on the side of Tess’s neck. The growth was described as being the size of a satsuma, red, raw, and covered in pus, indicating a severe and painful condition that had been left untreated for some time.

Further examination revealed a second, smaller lump adjacent to the main tumour. Tess appeared emaciated, with her ribs and spine clearly visible, suggesting prolonged neglect and poor health. The officer took the dog to a veterinarian, who confirmed that Tess was suffering greatly. The veterinarian’s assessment indicated that the tumour had been present for approximately a month, but it only ruptured in the past two weeks, likely due to Tess scratching at it in an attempt to relieve her discomfort.

James Lane, an optometrist and company director, was interviewed by authorities. He confirmed that Tess had been part of his family since she was a puppy. However, he admitted that the dog was now doubly incontinent and that the tumour had been present for some time. Lane expressed a hope that Tess would die peacefully, but the veterinarian warned that without intervention, she was likely to die a slow and painful death. Recognizing the severity of her condition, Lane voluntarily signed Tess over to the authorities, and she was subsequently euthanized to end her suffering.

During the court proceedings, a defense solicitor entered guilty pleas on Lane’s behalf to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog and failing to take reasonable steps to meet her needs. The offences were alleged to have occurred on or before April 21, 2016, though the exact date was not specified. The solicitor explained that Tess had belonged to Lane’s daughter, who was then sitting her A-levels, and that Lane did not want to upset her by taking more immediate action. The defense acknowledged that Lane had been very remorseful and reflected that he should have euthanized Tess earlier to prevent her pain.

In addition to James Lane, the charges against his wife, Carol Anne Lane, a fellow optometrist and co-director of Lane & Lane (N.I.) Ltd., were withdrawn. She was born in November 1967 and was not prosecuted in connection with this case.

As a result of the court’s decision, James Lane was fined £5,000 along with additional costs. The court did not impose a ban on owning animals or practicing as an optometrist. The case has garnered attention in Bangor, where Lane and his wife operate an optician’s business known as Bangor Optometrists, previously called Lane and Lane, located on High Street. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the legal responsibilities of pet owners in the Bangor community.