Should it be a crime to operate on your dog?

A Rhode Island man pleaded no-contest to criminal charges after he reportedly removed a cyst from his dog's leg. (The dog had to be operated on again, by professionals, to deal with infection from the first procedure.) The man said he tried to operate himself because he didn't have money for a veterinarian.

Comments

[scum]

if he just let it go and the dog died he would have been fine...

[k]

The cost of vet services is incredible these days. While I think he was misguided, he apparently cared for his dog and was trying to do what was right.

[A semi-indifferent Pat]

The article is contains such hardcore journalism, thet it neglects to mention wether or not they were brandishing weapons.

[A semi-indifferent Pat]

thet = down South way of saying "that"

[A semi-indifferent Pat]

Woops....wrong thread.

[Nemesis]

"Woops....wrong thread"

LOL Pat....You're good. There were very sharp weapon-like instruments.

[146]

Don't know enough about this incident to judge myself. I certainly can relate to the enourmous Vet Bills. Not all are ligit. Some are very profitable in nature. But if he did something so heinous that the dog suffered a great a deal, then I would agree. THere's just not enough information to judge what was appropriate.

[kybo61]

I hesitated to read this bc I thought this was the case where the dog died after being operated on by its owner. (There was a case like that recently.) I'm glad this dog is alive, and I hope the dude does not get his dog back. Having said that, I remember back in 1978 I met a guy who sewed up a kitten's throat after it was attacked by a German Shepherd, sewed it up with sewing thread & no anesthesia, and the kitten lived. I was horrified but amazed, the kitten previous to that couldn't swallow anything, it would just come out the opening in its throat. I don't know why there was no infection, I think the guy put alcohol on it, it must have been awfully painful -- but the kitten survived and grew up to be a cat. I don't recommend any of this, it's awful. I just lost my 10-year-old Boston terrier, she died in my bed after years of wonderful veterinary care, many thousands of dollars, not relevant here, but people will help if there is a need, like the donkey story in the news most recently. God bless everyone who loves & helps animals.

[kidcolt]

hey kybo, I know this man, and he meant well that dog is 14 years old and in great health. I am a dog owner and my dog is lucky to be alive. The emergency animal hospital refused to perform a c section on the mother, because the breeder forgot his credit card, they would not do it until he paid. So he drove miles back home and by the time he came back he lost 3 puppies. Since you believe this man who meant well, and also served this country in Vietnam, should not get his dog back, which he did, how do you feel about Vets refusing to operate on animals unless you pay. Are they not animal lovers themselves? How could one refuse to care for a innocent animal? I can't stand people like you.

[ghost]

Dogs and cats are PROPERTY. That man was trying to do the best he could for his animal...give him back his dog. I have done medical work on my animals before...the all lived and got better.
My husband has stitched up my finger before when I cut it...he did a great job. My finger...my choice. Costs a hell of a lot LESS than going to the ER.
When it is a problem with my animals I don't think we can handle...I go to the vet, but when there is no vet or something we can handle I won't be forced into a expense I don't need.