(Not sure if I'm in the right category, so do move this if this isn't the right place)
I just received a call from a fellow cat lover - She has just started to rescue, foster and rehome strays. Last weekend she found a two month old kitten with a dislocated shoulder. It was meowing nonstop in pain. She immediately brought the kitten to a vet near her home. The vet was just leaving for the day. (This was Saturday afternoon, around 12.50pm) She asked the vet if he could please take a look at the kitten. The vet's reply - They're closed for the day, come back tomorrow, or take the kitten to a 24 animal hospital - without even looking at the kitten in pain!
My friend then told him that she just rescued this stray and it seems to be in pain, and she knows that the animal hosp is expensive, could he just help have a quick look to see the severity of the pain. The vet again repeated that they should just come back tomorrow or just go to the animal hosp if they want immediate medical attention. (All the while ignoring the helpless kitten! Not even a glance in it's direction!)
My friend then went to another nearby vet. This vet was doubtful when she told him that this is a stray kitten she found (probably thinking that she just wants a discount) He then went on questioning her motives for rescuing strays. He then told her that maybe in the US or UK it was worth it to do these sort of thing, since they can claim back the expenses from animal societies, but over here it's not worth it bc it comes from our own pocket money.
He then told her to bring this cat back in 3 weeks for vaccination as his clinic does vaccines '"çheap"" at RM60.
He then warned her against mixing the kitten with her other household cats and warned that if she doesn't get him vaccinated & her existing cats falls sick, then theres no point in him treating them at that point as they would probably die anyway. (!!!!!) He then charged her an exorbitant sum for the kitten's treatment.
My question here is this: Aren't vets supposed to be animal loving people who should be encouraging & educating us to help & rescue animals? Shouldn't it be second nature for them to see a creature in need and take a few precious seconds to examine these wounded creatures? Have they become so numb to animal's plight & suffering after seeing wounded animals day in and day out??? Where is their compassion??? Are they just in it for the money!!!!
I'm positive that definitely not all vets are like these two. But, take my friend, for example, who has just started rescuing animals... what message does this send to her when EVEN VETS COULDN'T CARE LESS???
If this is the norm in Malaysia, then I'm ashamed to be a part of this type of society.
Irresponsible vets
“What greater gift than the love of a cat?” – Charles Dickens
