It's hard to believe, but some veterinarians and groomers have been caught abusing the very animals they are supposed to be keeping healthy. During one PETA investigation at a veterinary office, an undercover investigator videotaped veterinarian Howard Baker—who was generally well liked and trusted by his clients—as he punched and choked the cats and dogs under his care.
Animals have also been seriously injured or killed at grooming salons. Some animals have suffered heat exhaustion after being left unattended in front of dryers, and in 2002, a chow-chow was hanged to death at a Utah PETCO store when, left alone, she tried to jump out of a grooming tub.
Preventing Tragedy
Please don't let your animal become a victim. Seek out a skilled and caring veterinarian (ask for references from trusted friends and humane organizations and call the local Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to check for complaints); get a second or third opinion about your animal's diagnosis before proceeding with surgery or treatment; and carefully monitor your animal's stay and treatment at the veterinary clinic. Never hesitate to ask questions about your animal's treatment, and never leave your animal overnight at a veterinary hospital unless you are convinced that you must. If your animal companion does become sick or injured while at a veterinary clinic, immediately take your animal to another veterinarian for a second opinion and treatment. Ask for copies of your animal's medical records from the original veterinarian and show these to the second veterinarian. If your animal dies, have the body necropsied to determine the cause of death.
When You Suspect Malpractice
There are several steps you can take when you suspect that veterinary malpractice has led to your animal companion's injury, sickness, or death. First, send a concise, accurate, and factual written complaint (what happened, when, and where) to your state veterinary licensing board, asking for an investigation and response. Follow up your written complaint by telephoning the licensing board. You should also submit a complaint to your local veterinary medical association, asking for an investigation. (Any veterinary clinic should be able to provide you with addresses for the state licensing board and veterinary medical association—you can also find them in the phone book under "State Agencies.") File copies of your complaints with the Better Business Bureau, local and state consumer affairs offices, and local SPCAs. You can also file a small-claims suit against the veterinarian by filling out a form and paying a small fee at your local courthouse. You are responsible for presenting your own case in small-claims court, so be sure to have copies of all your animal's medical records (including the results of the necropsy, if performed), statements from other veterinarians who examined your animal once you suspected negligence, and copies of your veterinary bills. Although small-claims courts award only "out-of-pocket" expenses, the attention generated by your case might be enough to prevent a veterinarian from acting irresponsibly in the future. You can also hire a lawyer and bring a malpractice lawsuit against the veterinarian or negotiate a settlement. As with a small-claims suit, you will need documentation to back up your case, including statements from expert witnesses such as veterinarians, pathologists, and others with special professional knowledge of the issues under consideration.
Unfortunately, you might find that many lawyers hesitate to take on these cases because the potential for a large monetary award is low. In most veterinary malpractice cases, awards are limited to the costs incurred plus the cost of replacing the animal with another animal of similar value. Some state courts, however, are beginning to acknowledge the unique nature of the bond shared by humans and their animal companions, and these courts also permit the recovery of "reasonable sentimental value" in some instances. California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey are among the states where recent veterinary negligence cases prompted judges and juries to assess the value of animal companions beyond their "property value."To find a good attorney, ask for a recommendation from the local bar association. Regardless of what action you decide to take, consider contacting local newspapers and television stations. Your story could help protect other animals from harm.
Grooming Accidents
The best way to protect your animal companion from grooming accidents is to learn how to groom him or her yourself. Regular bathing, brushing, and clipping help you to build rapport and trust with your animal companion while keeping him or her looking and feeling healthy.
If you must leave your animal companion at a grooming salon, however, do the following things to ensure his or her safety:
If your animal becomes injured at a grooming salon, you can file a small-claims suit or lawsuit against the groomer or salon. Remember that a news story about your animal's injuries on a local television station or in the newspaper can help prevent future tragedies. Public awareness is a powerful tool.
You can help prevent grooming accidents by contacting your local and state representatives and pushing for stronger regulation of the grooming industry. Examples of the type of legislation that can save lives and prevent tragic accidents include the following: laws that require groomers to use only dryers that must be reset after a period of time rather than those that reset without a break, laws that set time limits on tethering and set standards for the types of tethers that may be used, and laws that prohibit the use of sedatives or tranquilizers.