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Bronson Stewart - Source: ONE News -
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It looks like there will be a happy ending to the story of Buck,
the injured Wanganui pup who was kidnapped after his owner refused
to have him put down.
Buck's teenage owner, Bronson Stewart, says thanks to some generous
donations the puppy should now get the operation he needs to fix
his broken leg.
The pup is back at the vet's for the operation after Stewart earlier kidnapped him, unable to afford the veterinary bill.
After learning of the five-month-old puppy's plight people have pledged donations for him to undergo surgery. More than $2,000 has been raised so far.
Stewart, who had sprung Buck from his local Wanganui veterinary clinic last Friday, had said he was willing to go to jail rather than let the vet put down Buck if money was not paid for an operation.
Stewart, 18, was told it would cost $2,500 for the dog's leg to be pinned back together or $800 for the leg to be amputated, the Wanganui Chronicle reported.
Neither Stewart nor his father, both beneficiaries, could afford the bill.
The best they could do was offer the vet $5 a week, which was declined. The vet then refused to return the pup because the little dog was in pain.
On Tuesday the teen was threatened with prosecution by the SPCA unless he had the dog seen to.
The determined owner said he would rather be put behind bars than see his dog put down.
On Wednesday night the Chronicle reported that Stewart had taken Buck back to a veterinary clinic and he would be operated on by a vet in Bulls.
"It's not a story about money, it's a story about love," Bronson's father Kevin Stewart told NZPA.
On Wednesday Wanganui SPCA manager Val Waters said local people had been into the office all day giving donations to save Buck.
"The dog will be just fine," Waters said.
Kevin Stewart said he was delighted with people's generosity.
"It's a story about a dog that deserves to live."
The puppy was the only survivor of a litter of seven after a farmer put the others down for being too yappy.
He was then apparently targeted and run down two weeks ago by Mongrel Mob members angry with Kevin Stewart and his son over upcoming legal action, Stewart said.
He said while he didn't totally approve of his son's actions at snatching the dog from the clinic, he knew something had to be done.
The Wanganui SPCA is taking donations towards Buck's operation. If you want to contribute call them during day-time hours on (06) 345 3369.
Who do you think is in the right in this case - the dog owner or the vet? Would you pay $2,500 for the dog's leg to be pinned? Have your say on our messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentchrisd55 said on 2010-02-15 @ 22:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
There seems such an element of "it's not fair" rather than any personal responsibility, learnt or shown these days-There are a lot of us who struggle to meet our obligations to our pets,always well aware of all the costs,including sickness and injury, but as our responsibility.What will this boy learn?-his "reward" for the publicity?"someone else will sort it out"-and how will that help him or his dog in the future? I'd be ashamed to expect anyone else should pay given the same circumstamces.
Kararaina said on 2010-02-15 @ 15:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
I don't get this silly debate? It all comes down to dog owner responsibility? For example, I can't own a dog because I know that I cannot not afford one - in particular could not afford any unforeseen circumstance? End of story.
pattyann said on 2010-02-12 @ 15:02 NZDT: Report abusive post
How about the vets charging a small surcharge that could be lodged at the S.P.C.A. to be used in cases like this. I am sure that all animal lovers wouldn't mind paying a little extra on their bill. Some vets are real animal lovers and do allow their clients to pay off their bill if they are battling financially - there is one in Tauranga that I know of. What a lovely dog, I have sent through a personal donation and one from my business as well. I hope that Buck's story has a happy ending.
alsation said on 2010-02-11 @ 12:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
I was shocked at the vet's attitude last night re: the treatment of dog....obviously vet's have a business to run, but this man did not appear to have compassion for a lad that obviously loved his dog. I also think in a situation like this the SPCA should take over and help out, otherwise my contributions to the SPCA would cease - I would also NEVER take an animal to this particular vet, but would enlist the help of another one....to my mind he has shown no compassion.
andycg said on 2010-02-11 @ 11:37 NZDT: Report abusive post
We just had to have our dog put down becos he was in pain and couldnt walk, the vet wouldn't do it till we payed the money, just shows vets care more about the money than the dog. god on you mate and good luck with the dog.