Petition Title: Justice for Maiella – Demand Accountability in Veterinary Care

We, the undersigned, are calling for immediate action to address the lack of accountability and poor veterinary care that has deeply impacted the life of Maiella, a beloved pet. This petition seeks justice for Maiella and aims to ensure that no other pet owner endures the inadequate and harmful experiences that she faced under the care of Vet R at a practice owned by Independent Vet Care Limited.

 

Why This Matters:

 

Maiella’s story is one of prolonged suffering due to inadequate diagnostic practices, improper treatments, and a lack of informed consent for procedures that ultimately caused harm. Despite repeated requests for second opinions and referrals to specialists, Maiella’s treatment plan remained stagnant, resulting in further distress for both her and her family. Independent Vet Care Limited, the parent company of hundreds of local veterinary practices that present themselves as independent, must be held accountable for ensuring proper care standards at all their clinics.

 

Key findings from Maiella’s case include:

 • Excessive and Costly Treatments: Under Vet R’s care, treatment costs exceeded £8,000 without yielding positive outcomes. After months of ineffective treatments, invasive procedures, and repeated imaging—all of which showed no results—Maiella continued to suffer. Once she finally saw a specialist, the solution was simply to change the protein in her food. This simple dietary change could have prevented weeks and months of non-stop vomiting and suffering.

 • Severe Physical and Emotional Toll: Maiella lost over a quarter of her body weight and endured non-stop vomiting, yet no alternative treatment plan was offered. The invasive procedures she underwent were repeated multiple times without producing meaningful results. Records from the practice documented that Maiella was even found sleeping in her own vomit, raising significant concerns about her in-patient care and monitoring.

 • Exploitation of Vulnerability: Vet R, who also held the position of director at the practice, leveraged their role to influence decisions without proper oversight. This is especially concerning given that the pet’s owners were vulnerable, with one owner qualifying as disabled under UK law due to cancer. Such a power imbalance exacerbates the emotional and financial strain on clients who rely on their veterinarian’s expertise and integrity.

 

Why We Need Your Support:

 

This petition urges Independent Vet Care Limited and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to take meaningful action by re-examining the standards and practices demonstrated in Maiella’s case. We demand:

 • A Comprehensive Review: A thorough investigation into the veterinary services provided, ensuring that they align with industry standards and prioritizing patient welfare over profit.

 • Policy Reforms: Implementing stricter policies and oversight to prevent similar issues in the future, including the assurance of second opinions and full transparency regarding treatments and diagnostic practices.

 • Accountability and Transparency: Greater accountability within the practice to prevent patient harm, including repercussions for practices that fail to meet basic care standards.

 

The Cost of Inaction:

 

Maiella’s case is a poignant reminder of the importance of ethical and competent veterinary care. It highlights the need for stronger regulation of Independent Vet Care Limited, a parent company overseeing hundreds of practices that may pose as small, independent clinics. If these issues remain unaddressed, more pets and their families could face similar tragedies.

 

Sign This Petition to:

 

 • Show your support for Maiella and her family.

 • Pressure Independent Vet Care Limited and the RCVS to uphold veterinary standards and conduct an independent review.

 • Advocate for the well-being and safety of all pets under veterinary care, ensuring they receive the proper attention and treatment they deserve.

 

Justice for Maiella is not just about one pet’s story—it’s about ensuring that veterinary practices maintain the highest standard of care, transparency, and compassion for every animal and their family.

 

Please sign and share this petition to stand up for Maiella and for better veterinary care everywhere.