The recent press reports about local vet Joseph Holmes, formerly of Waltham and Ulceby Veterinary Clinic, highlight how important pets are to their owners. People are often very close to their pets and view them as a member of the family.
A healthy pet is a happy pet and choosing a vet you can trust to care for your pet, throughout its life, is a decision which needs to be made carefully. If your pet requires any long term care or an operation it is vital that you have a vet you can trust. The majority of vets are caring and professional but, as the case of Mr Holmes appears to demonstrate, some provide levels of care that are unsatisfactory.
Solicitor, Lewis Couth, of leading Lincolnshire law firm, Wilkin Chapman LLP, said: “If you feel that your pet has been injured, come to some harm or has been operated on unnecessarily by a vet, there are several steps you can take. First of all, you should voice your concerns to the veterinary surgeon involved, or the senior practice vet. If you are not satisfied with their response then a complaint can be made to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).”
The RCVS is the statutory body for vets within the UK and has the power to investigate the veterinary surgeon in question and, if necessary, suspend the surgeon from continuing to practise. However, this process will not compensate you for the distress and inconvenience that you and your pet have suffered. Also, it does not help you recover the costs of any vet bills; to do this you need to begin court action and find a solicitor to represent you.
A vet, like any other professional person owes a duty of care to an animal’s owner. This means that if they fail to maintain the standards of a reasonably competent veterinary surgeon and you have suffered a loss, you may be entitled to compensation.
Wilkin Chapman LLP is preparing to issue a class action against John Holmes, on behalf of a number of clients. If you are unhappy with, or have concerns about any operation that Mr Holmes performed on your pet and would like to join these proceedings, please contact Sophie Day on: tel: 01472 262626 email: sday@wilkinchapmangrange.co.uk or in person at: New Oxford House, Town Hall Square, Grimsby DN31 1HE
