Cutter was the name of a retired veterinarian. He was a vet for 18 years on outback, presumably on Earth, and mostly castrated bulls.
He was incarcerated in Ursa Luna Penal Facility for a unknown crime. Supposedly during Riddick's stay in the same prison he performed surgery that gave him his "eyeshine" in return for a pack of 20 Kool cigarettes. However, it would seem this is not true.
Cutter in Pitch Black: Slam City