RSPCA shock at 'extreme case'

Merthyr magistrates head how Griffith Prosser, 35 from Aberfan, south Wales, amputated the front leg of Bumper, a Collie cross last October.

The pet had been hit by a car 10-months earlier injuring his front leg which eventually turned gangrenous.

Prosser admitted causing unnecessary suffering and practising veterinary surgery while unregistered.

The dog has been confiscated into the care of the RSPCA who brought the prosecution against Prosser.

The court heard on Friday how the three-year Collie cross injured her leg when she was knocked down by a car. Prosser, who is unemployed, bound up her leg for 10 months.

Griffith Prosser had owned Bumper since he was a puppy

Neighbours later said how they saw Bumper dragging her injured leg as Prosser took it for walks.

When the dog's leg turned gangrenous, Prosser turned his kitchen into a makeshift operating theatre cleaning the floor with boiling water and bleach and covering it with sheets before he carried out the amputation.

He placed Bumper's leg on a concrete block then used an unplugged electric saw and a hammer to cut off the infected leg.

Prosecutor Katy Hanson told the court: "Prosser said the dog's leg had developed gangrene and its eyes were glazed.

"He decided to cut off the leg himself because he could not afford the vet's fee.

"After cutting off the leg he cauterised the wound with an iron bar he heated on a gas stove," she said.

The dog's limb was numb from nerve damage and it didn't even flinch during the operation Defending Paul Trotman

The magistrates were told that Prosser had owned Bumper since he was a puppy.

Defending Paul Trotman told the court that she was a much-loved pet and that Prosser had decided to amputate as a last resort. He said he could not afford the vets fees either to have the surgery or have Bumper put down.

"He sought help from the vet but was told it would cost between �400 and �500 for an operation," he said.

"He was also told it would cost �175 to have the dog put down. He is on benefits and could not find that sort of money.

"He decided that if the dog was going to be put down he would do what he could to save it by cutting off its affected limb. He took the view he had nothing to lose.

"The dog's limb was numb from nerve damage and it didn't even flinch during the operation.

Bumper was cared for by vets and has fully recovered

"It seems very drastic action but the dog's condition actually improved afterwards and it had a nice glossy coat."

During sentencing, magistrates Gareth Jones told Prosser: "We view this with all seriousness. There was long-standing neglect in the failure to get veterinary treatment."

The court heard the Collie has had �4,000 of veterinary treatment spent on him since the makeshift operation and is now "progressing well".

RSPCA Inspector Simon Evans said after the case: "Prosser could have gone to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals who will provide free treatment.

"But he decided to operate himself and any animal lover would be horrified at what he did.

"Bumper is a lovely animal and now he has been taken into our care we will certainly be able to find a good home for him because so many people have been touched by his tragic story," he added