A couple saw a cat knocked over near my office, put it in a box and brought it in to use the phone. They called the RSPCA and got an incident log number and were advised someone would collect to take it to the nearest vet. I agreed to take the cat to prevent delay and a colleague and I drove 5 minutes down the road to this vet.
Despite having an RSPCA log number, we were immediately told to leave and call the RSPCA. I explained that this had already been done and they told us to bring the cat to him but the vet said it wasn't his responsibility and we should call the RSPCA again. He didn't even look at the cat.
The cat was still moving in the box and, although injured, was fully conscious and responsive. The vet watched us stood outside his store with an injured animal whilst we tried several numbers to try and gain further advice.
Upon speaking to the RSPCA again, they advised that the vet had a duty of care towards the animal and were as shocked as we were at his response. They gave us the address of another vet 10 minutes away and we drove there instead.
The cat had to be put to sleep due to the complex fractures in both front legs, however it was probably in pain for a great deal longer than it had to be because of this man. read more