Hey SDN
I have a question about reporting clients to the authorities when you suspect abuse. I worked for a vet for 4 years and he was an all around awesome vet. When we had clients who came in with animals that look abused he would tell the staff not to report it for several reasons:
1. The client will stop bringing animals into the vet if they get reported by a vet, and the animal will receive less care.
2. It is hard to prove what actually happened to the animal if the client lies about it. If the authorities place an investigation they will see vet visits and it will be even hard to prove abuse.
3. If the abuse is reported then the animal may not get the care that they need for broken bones or wounds that require many vet visits.
The vet said his reasoning is all backed up by his personal experience.
I now work for a new vet and the other day a dog came in with a very serious injury that made us suspect abuse. This dog was less then a year old and already has a history of broken bones etc. That, along with the clients apathetic attitude, made the staff suspect abuse. But instead of not reporting it the staff immediately contacted the authorities. They were surprised when I said that I usually dont report abuse.
Obviously, this type of thing is a very emotional situation for the staff because its heartbreaking. So if you suspect abuse what is the right thing to do for the animal? I have heard two completely opposite opinions and now I am just confused on what is the best thing to do for the pet!
I have a question about reporting clients to the authorities when you suspect abuse. I worked for a vet for 4 years and he was an all around awesome vet. When we had clients who came in with animals that look abused he would tell the staff not to report it for several reasons:
1. The client will stop bringing animals into the vet if they get reported by a vet, and the animal will receive less care.
2. It is hard to prove what actually happened to the animal if the client lies about it. If the authorities place an investigation they will see vet visits and it will be even hard to prove abuse.
3. If the abuse is reported then the animal may not get the care that they need for broken bones or wounds that require many vet visits.
The vet said his reasoning is all backed up by his personal experience.
I now work for a new vet and the other day a dog came in with a very serious injury that made us suspect abuse. This dog was less then a year old and already has a history of broken bones etc. That, along with the clients apathetic attitude, made the staff suspect abuse. But instead of not reporting it the staff immediately contacted the authorities. They were surprised when I said that I usually dont report abuse.
Obviously, this type of thing is a very emotional situation for the staff because its heartbreaking. So if you suspect abuse what is the right thing to do for the animal? I have heard two completely opposite opinions and now I am just confused on what is the best thing to do for the pet!