Passing the Buck: Teenager Steals Dog to Prevent It From Being Euthanized

Police in New Zealand have an interesting necessity defense to deal with in a theft case. Bronson Stewart’s puppy, Buck, was hit by a car and neither Stewart, 19, or his father could afford the money to pin the puppy’s broken leg back together or the lower price to have the leg mputated. While the family (which is on welfare) offered to pay $3.50 a week, the vet declined and said that it was best to euthanize Buck because he was in agony. That is when Stewart took matters into his own hands.

Stewart, who lives on the North Island city of Wanganui, went to the clinic and asked to see his dog whom he describes as his brother. He then ran away with him.

Presumably facing possible theft charges for any unpaid bill, New Zealand’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) also threatened Stewart with prosecution for animal cruelty unless he got veterinary care for the dog.

Thanks to the media coverage, people have come forward to raise money to save Buck.

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