WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Five-legged puppy has extra leg removed

Five-legged puppy has extra leg removed

By Kristen Hampton - bio | email

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The woman who saved a 5-legged puppy from a freak show had the extra leg removed from the dog Thursday afternoon, likely ending a brewing legal saga that could have sent the dog to a New York side show.

The 8-week-old Chihuahua/Terrier mix, named Lilly, is resting after an early morning surgery to have the extra appendage removed.

Lilly became a national media sensation after word spread of her extremely rare deformity. The puppy's former owner, Calvin Owensby initially agreed to sell the pup to a "freak show" at Coney Island for $3,000. After facing a whirlwind of criticism from animal lovers, and getting a better offer, Owensby told "freak show" owner John Strong the deal was off.

The better offer was from Allyson Siegel, who heard the media reports and offered to buy the puppy for $4,000. The transaction was completed, and Owensby said he sent back the $1,000 deposit he received from Strong.

Lilly went under the knife Thursday morning at 10:30, which is five days sooner than planned. Siegel said the amputation was made quicker in part by a threat from Strong.

Strong has said he intends to ask a Charlotte judge to prevent removal of the leg. Strong contends he is the rightful owner of the puppy because of an oral contract made with its former owner.

Strong says he's the rightful owner of the dog, but Siegel says, "over my dead body." 

It's not known whether an injunction has been issued, but it appears to be a moot point. What remains to be seen, however, is if Strong will try and file suit against any parties citing what he claims is a loss of revenue.

Strong has been hinting that he may go to court over the whole affair, appearing with Owensby on a call-in radio show Thursday.

Each made their case to the talk show radio host, and Strong said that he had hired a lawyer.

Meanwhile,  a fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, July 24 at The Dog Bar in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood. The bar is located at 3307 North Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC, and the event will begin at 6 p.m. The owners will donate $1 from every beer sold to help pay for Lilly's vet bills.

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