Man performs surgery on dog, no money

BARRINGTON, R.I. (WPRI) - A Barrington man strapped for cash, performs surgery on his own dog, to remove a cyst.

Animal control officers and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or RISPCA responded to the home of Alan MacQuittie, of Maple Avenue after receiving reports he performed surgery on his 14 year-old, yellow labrador, shepherd mix named Nakita.

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Upon arrival, officers discovered the dog with a wound on its right hind leg, which appeared to be infected and covered by a bandage. According to officials , MacQuittie admitted that he removed a cyst from the dog, and even showed the them the cyst which was stored inside an old jelly container.

Officers say MacQuittie told them he used Orajel and injected the dog with Lanacane to numb the pain, then using a scalpel cut out the cyst and stitched up the wound using a black thread-like material.

MacQuittie told the responding officers that although he didn't have a license to practice vet/medical procedures, he did this sort of thing in the military and claimed he did not have the money to pay a vet to perform the operation.

The chief doctor at the RISPCA said poverty is no excuse.

"Especially when you have to cut into an animal's flesh. You need to have proper anesthesia, proper medication. This was totally an act of ignorance on the owner," said E.J. Finocchio.

"I don't think that's cruelty to an animal. Now, cruelty to an animal to me is like someone going around and carrying an animal around by their foot or their tail, or beating the hell out of it. That's cruelty. But trying to help an animal, no, that's not cruelty," said MacQuittie.

The dog was subsequently removed from the residence and brought to the Harbour Animal Hospital . After being examined by staff at the hospital it was determined that the dog would need a second operation, as the wound was infected.

"Now the problem was the dog also chewed on it and made it a hell of a lot bigger," said MacQuittie.

MacQuittie pleaded no contest to charges including unnecessary cruelty to animals and unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine.

Nakita is expected to make a full recovery.

RISPCA officials want people to know that Alan MacQuittie made a bad choice and that help is available if your pet needs medical care.