In Mississippi, pets are legally considered property. This means that when veterinary negligence occurs—even in serious cases—pet owners often have little legal protection or meaningful recourse.

Jolene was a beloved dog who had been under veterinary care for an ongoing ear infection. At her final visit, the veterinarian acknowledged a severe infection deep inside her ear and described it as “extremely bad.” Despite recognizing how serious it was, no immediate treatment was provided, and her family was told to wait for new medication to come in.

In less than 48 hours, Jolene’s condition rapidly declined. She became lethargic and began having seizures. She was rushed back to the vet, but by that point the infection that had been deep inside her ear had progressed so severely that it began coming through her skin on her neck, appearing green and visibly spreading.

Despite being rushed back for emergency care, Jolene passed away less than 48 hours after that 1st initial visit.

Her story is not just about loss—it highlights a serious gap in the law.

We are asking Mississippi lawmakers to:

Allow courts to award damages beyond basic “market value” in cases of veterinary negligence
Require timely treatment or escalation when severe conditions are identified
Improve accountability and communication standards in veterinary care
Pets are family. They deserve better protection under the law.

Please sign to support “Jolene’s Law” and help bring meaningful change to Mississippi.