THE owner of a puppy that had its leg amputated has won a court case over a Long Sutton vet’s negligence.
Medivet Group Ltd was ordered to pay £2,230 to cover costs incurred after admitting negligence treating 18-month-old Sooty, a black poodle.
The firm had disputed a settlement claim of £3,866.76 from the dog’s owner Avril Raynor, which included specialist costs, ten hydrotherapy sessions, loss of income and £500 for loss of amenity to the dog.
Insurers The Veterinary Defence Society Ltd had offered £850 and a refund of £676.21 in treatment fees.
Minutes after winning the case at Boston County Court on Friday, Miss Raynor’s partner, James Townsend, said: “We had our day in court and won. Although it doesn’t cover everything, we are happy enough.
“What we are not happy about is Medivet have not been punished for their negligence. If it had been a person and not a dog, things would have been different.
“The vet admitted negligence and the public should know – and I intend making sure they do.”
Sooty broke his leg falling down stairs in January 2011, when he was five months old. The leg was bandaged for nine weeks before the dog was referred to a specialist after “crying in agony” when he should have been nearly better.
Mr Townsend, of Station Road, Long Sutton, said: “Because it had been left so long, the specialist told us we had two options – have the leg amputated or put the dog down.
”We chose amputation, but it was heartbreaking.”
In spite of further complications with his hip through walking on three legs, special treats were planned for Sooty to celebrate the result.
Mr Townsend said: “He seems happy – living as normal a life as a three-legged dog can.”