I, like so many others, cherish my pet as a beloved, full member of my family. I’ve been a professional musician throughout my adult life & my canine best buddy has spent the last 13 years accompanying me everywhere, including most of my stages around the world..  Recently, Genghis was given a huge overdose of chemotherapy due to veterinary negligence (they accidentally gave a human dose of chemo to a mere Shih Tzu). After 12 traumatic days in hospital in a bid to save his life, Genghis thankfully managed to pull through. However, I share this to illuminate the need for a dire change in the UK's compensation laws. Presently, dogs and cats, our dear companions, are deemed by the law to be mere material possessions in cases of medical negligence and the injury & suffering that’s caused to our pets, and the anxiety caused us as owners, isn’t at all compensable. This perspective is not only outdated, it's ethically wrong and out of line with how much we value our pets as a nation. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, it removes any consequences for vet practices when they’re negligent, in turn encouraging more of these kind of accidents to happen within the veterinary world than ever occurs in the human world of medicine. IF WE GIVE DOGS AND CATS SOME FINANCIAL VALUE, VETS WILL BE FAR LESS FLIPPANT WITH THEIR PROCEDURES AND FAILSAFES, just the same as human doctors happen to be. Theres no reason why your pets should have to suffer the way Genghis did!

 

 

The emotional trauma that ensues from such cases is hardly addressed either; meanwhile, the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) allows negligent vets to escape, often without any direct financial consequences whatsoever. This lack of accountability results in procedures that continue to be fallible and fail our furry friends. Procedures within the human medical world are far tighter, because the financial consequences upon doctors, nurses and their insurers are enormous when mistakes are made.

 

 

 

There is a compelling need to re-cast legislation to recognise the status of pets as sentient beings and members of our family. Changing the law will establish financial consequences for veterinary negligence, encouraging tighter and more responsible procedures. This won't just protect future pets from substandard treatment, it's a step forward towards a more compassionate society, that reflects & officiates our historic love for animals, providing an example for other nations around the world.

 

 

 

 

It is essential for us to let our united voice reach those who can implement this change. The existing laws need to transform from viewing pets as mere possessions to recognising them as the irreplaceable part of our lives they truly are. It's time we stand together for those who can't speak for themselves. Please sign this petition and help make a change.

 

 

 

 

(Post chemo overdose 🥲)