Dr. Janine Parody, a vet from Herefordshire, was found to have failed in euthanizing a cat named Shadow, as initially intended, and instead took the animal home without informing its owner.
The disciplinary committee heard that Dr. Parody acted dishonestly when she carried out a treatment plan for Shadow, which involved sedating and castrating the cat. She was also involved in—or may have directed—the removal of Shadow’s microchip, before taking him home from Castle Veterinary Group in Framlingham. This occurred between December 23 and 31, 2021.
Dr. Parody did not inform Shadow’s owner or seek their consent before taking the cat home. Additionally, she failed to make adequate clinical records regarding the cat’s treatment and the events surrounding the incident.
However, the committee concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Dr. Parody had removed the microchip to deceive others about Shadow’s identity, meaning she had not acted dishonestly in that regard. Similarly, the committee found that there was not enough evidence to prove she had been dishonest regarding the failure to maintain proper clinical records.
The committee also acknowledged the challenging circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed significant pressure on the practice at the time. Dr. Parody explained that she had acted in what she believed to be the best interest of Shadow’s welfare, though she admitted that this decision was ultimately flawed.
It was also noted that this incident was isolated, and Dr. Parody has otherwise maintained a long and unblemished career in veterinary practice. She told the committee that the atmosphere at the practice had been “toxic,” and that everyone involved had been under immense pressure. Since the incident, Dr. Parody has moved to Hereford to be closer to her family and now works in a much more supportive environment.
The committee ultimately decided that a reprimand would be the most appropriate sanction for Dr. Parody, with committee chair Paul Morris stating that she is “most unlikely to ever make such a flawed set of decisions again.”
Morris also emphasized that the committee was satisfied Dr. Parody does not pose a future risk to animals. He praised her character and her commitment to animal welfare, noting that she has shown she can work under pressure without resorting to poor decisions.
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