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Bronson Stewart - Source: ONE News
It looks as though an operation for Bronson Stewart's injured puppy will go ahead.
The Wanganui 18-year-old hit the headlines after he stole his beloved puppy, Buck, back from a vet to prevent it being put down.
The puppy has a seriously broken leg after being hit by a car, and Bronson can't afford the $2500 needed for surgery.
But Wanganui SPCA secretary Val Waters says donations have poured in to help pay for Buck's operation. She says around $1000 has been donated by Wanganui residents alone and more is coming from others around the country.
Waters says Bronson didn't do the right thing by taking the puppy from the vet but she is pleased the story will have a happy ending.
And the vet who had a dog snatched from his clinic says he was just following standard practice.
Veterinarian Dave Barton says he faces this type of hard decision every day on the job, but the welfare of the animals is his concern. He says any broken leg is painful, and vets and owners should not be leaving broken bones.
Barton says the animals suffer ongoing pain and it is the responsibility of vets to make sure they don't feel pain.
Buck, a five-month-old pup, was hit by a speeding car two weeks ago. The Wanganui Chronicle says Bronson Stewart said the vet had told him and his father Kevin that Buck's leg could be saved by having it pinned back together at a cost of $2,500, or the leg could be amputated for $800.
But the two beneficiaries are not able to come up with that sort of money. They say the vet declined their offer to pay $5 a week. Bronson also says the vet refused to return the pup because it was in pain.
"I just knew I had to get my dog back. He's like my brother. I need to have him. They can't just kill him because I haven't got any money," Bronson said.
While his father sat vigil every morning out on the roadside with placards asking for the public's help, Bronson went to the veterinary clinic last Friday and asked if he could see Buck for a little while.
"They were really nice and let me go out to the cages to see him. So I opened his cage, pulled Buck out, and ran as fast as I could out of the vets and down the road. I think one of them chased me for a while, and I carried Buck home."
On Tuesday an SPCA inspector arrived on the doorstep, he said.
A written SPCA report headed To Prevent or Mitigate Suffering says: "Black and white dog has dislocated and fractured right hind leg as per vet report. Dog must have immediate veterinary treatment or must be euthanised. If you don't comply you may face prosecution."
But Bronson won't give up the fight.
"I'll just be prosecuted, then. I'll go to jail if I have to. I don't want Buck killed. He's a really nice dog and I love him like a brother."
Kevin Stewart invited all animal-loving citizens of Wanganui to help him with my son's plight.
"This puppy is not in any pain to need any drugs at present
while we try to raise the $800 for his amputation or the $2,500 to
pin his leg back together as suggested by the capitalist and the
SPCA."
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.