Owner HACKED OFF dog's legs with a machete to stop him jumping over the garden fence (but he'll soon walk again with prosthetic paws)



A dog which had his back legs cut off with a machete has learned to walk again thanks to the attention of dedicated specialists.



Fabio, a four-year-old Maltese, was cruelly mutilated by a previous owner after attempting to climb over a chain-link fence.



Now he is set to be fitted with a new pair of prosthetic legs to stop him suffering from agonising pain as he runs around exploring the world.



Fighting fit: Fabio the Maltese is back on his feet after having his back legs cut off

Cruel: The dog was attacked with a machete after apparently trying to scale a chain link fence

The adorable dog was rescued from his abusive home in Miami by Florida Poodle Rescue last month, according to ABC Action News .



When he was taken in his back legs had been cut off just above the paw joint - the equivalent of the human ankle.

Joani Ellis, from the rescue home, suggested his legs were 'probably tied off with some type of tying mechanism and hacked off with a machete'.



She added: 'The story was that his feet were cut off because he was trying to be an escape artist and climb a chain link fence.'



Adorable: But Fabio seems to have fallen foul of the fury of a previous owner

Rehabilitation: Fabio is set to be given prosthetic legs to avoid the pain he seems to feel while walking

However, the adventurous pet is nonetheless able to walk around - albeit at a reduced pace - and is looking for new home.



This week Fabio was flown to New Orleans for specialist treatment by leading veterinarian Allison Barca.



She told ABC that the dog was 'making it on his own', but appeared confident that her team would be able to alleviate his continuing pain and discomfort.



Dr Barca has experience with animal prosthetics, having helped to fit a Shetland pony with a new leg in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.



Charmer: The four-year-old dog will be looking for a new home after completing treatment in New Orleans

On parade: The dog could be joining his new roommates marching in a New Orleans second line parade

And she said that Fabio is likely to require similar treatment, receiving artificial extensions to his limbs which will help his mobility.



'I just think he needs something to help the stumps to feel comfortable as they remodel through life and to keep them protected from hitting the ground,' she said.



'You just can't order a set of boots that are going to strap to his legs. They're going to have to be altered to fit this little dog individually.'

