Well it seems we all have differnet opinions on this but, he made his chocie and it has to be respected. On the other hand I might have contacted the DEC or local PD department and they do have the power to put an animal out of its misery. A couple of guys on my job have in the past put animals down due to being struck by a car, train etc. I think that dec would have given you another tag if you advised them of the situation.