I took my cat to the vet on July 20th 2023. The vet said nothing about him being in poor body condition or having fleas but that everything seemed quite well other than having matted fur. She clipped the mats then said come back another day for a full grooming appointment.
A day or so later the Cat was found in my car unattended under the shade, whilst I was in a meeting, windows and sunroof open. The cat was free with access to food and water. The outside temperature was only 20 degrees as it was winter but not cold or anywhere remotely close to overheating.
The rspca were called, seized the animal and later issued me a CAN for 'failure to provide veterinary treatment due to cat having fleas' and a few other charges relating to keeping him in a dirty and unhygienic car, failure to provide food/water, exercise, etc. Also, seeing him partially shaven and apparently attempts of the jugular vein, accused me of 'performing restricted acts of veterinary science without the supervision of a qualified veterinary pracitioner' .
I attended court and provided evidence that I was at the Vet the day before, who was the one to shave, etc. the cat and after negotiations with the rspca, they agreed to drop all of the charges except for the first one which is 'failure to provide veterinary treatment due to cat having fleas'.
I cannot fathom how ridiculous this is. What is the right answer?
I'm being charged for something I have not done.
Is the vet at fault? they said nothing about fleas and I even regularly worm and shampoo him with flea treatment and never noticed the fleas.
Would they be held accountable for a breach in their duty of care and negligence?
The Magistrate has clearly been biased with the prosecution and what do I do next, appeal?
A day or so later the Cat was found in my car unattended under the shade, whilst I was in a meeting, windows and sunroof open. The cat was free with access to food and water. The outside temperature was only 20 degrees as it was winter but not cold or anywhere remotely close to overheating.
The rspca were called, seized the animal and later issued me a CAN for 'failure to provide veterinary treatment due to cat having fleas' and a few other charges relating to keeping him in a dirty and unhygienic car, failure to provide food/water, exercise, etc. Also, seeing him partially shaven and apparently attempts of the jugular vein, accused me of 'performing restricted acts of veterinary science without the supervision of a qualified veterinary pracitioner' .
I attended court and provided evidence that I was at the Vet the day before, who was the one to shave, etc. the cat and after negotiations with the rspca, they agreed to drop all of the charges except for the first one which is 'failure to provide veterinary treatment due to cat having fleas'.
I cannot fathom how ridiculous this is. What is the right answer?
I'm being charged for something I have not done.
Is the vet at fault? they said nothing about fleas and I even regularly worm and shampoo him with flea treatment and never noticed the fleas.
Would they be held accountable for a breach in their duty of care and negligence?
The Magistrate has clearly been biased with the prosecution and what do I do next, appeal?