A RHODE ISLAND MAN WHO SAYS HE COULDN'T AFFORD VETERINARY CARE FOR HIS DOG HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY OPERATING ON THE PET.

Alan MacQuattie recently removed a cyst from the leg of his 14-year-old Labrador mix. The dog was operated on again by professionals to deal with an infection from the first surgery.

MacQuattie, 63, who says he is disabled and living on Social Security, said he used local anesthetic to operate on the cyst and removed it on his own since he doesn't have money for a veterinarian.

"In the economy as it is right now, especially in Rhode Island, who in the hell is going to give you a little extra helping hand?" he said.

E.J. Finocchio, a veterinarian and president of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, called the surgery a "heinous crime."

He said the procedure was medically unnecessary since the cyst was benign and did not appear to be hurting the dog, though MacQuattie said she was irritated by it.

"The dog was not suffering, the dog was not in pain," Finocchio said. "We know that from the nature of the cyst and the condition of the dog that we looked at."

Finocchio said the procedure would probably have cost less than $200, and that his organization could have helped foot the bill.

Court records show MacQuattie pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty and unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine. He was also ordered to make restitution but was allowed to keep the dog. He said he doesn't believe he did anything wrong.

"My trying to help an animal, I don't believe it's animal cruelty," MacQuattie said.

The surgery was first reported by WPRI-TV.

Owning a pet can have its benefits. They're always there for you and they're devoted to your happiness and well-being. But, like anything you take care of, eventually expenses are involved. Pet owners have a legal obligation to feed their pets and seek health care for them.

Most of us think of our pets as members of the family. Would you attempt to perform surgery on your kids or spouse under any circumstances? I don't think so. Despite Mr. MacQuattie's best intentions to help, his actions are still quite inhumane.

With most medical procedures, when payment is an issue, there are usually subsidies set aside to help the needy. Calling and discussing your options with a healthcare professional is always a good idea, and may keep you from making a rash decision you may regret later.

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