Arizona’s Oversight System Under Fire as Grieving Pet Owners Allege Vets Are Getting Away with Killing Pets

Staci Foulks’ heart shattered when her beloved dog, Greta, passed away unexpectedly. The Swedish Vallhund was more than just a pet; Greta was a source of unwavering companionship. “She was the kind of dog that would follow me into the bathroom,” Foulks recalled, highlighting their close bond. Greta even took on a protective role during Foulks’ pregnancy in 2021, resting her head on Foulks’ belly.

In early 2022, Greta began exhibiting worrying behaviors, repeatedly asking to go outside. Concerned for her health, Foulks took Greta to the family veterinarian. A suspected urinary tract infection led the vet to an invasive procedure known as cystocentesis, where a needle is inserted into the abdomen to obtain a urine sample. Unbeknownst to Foulks, the procedure was controversial. Techs raised concerns, yet the vet proceeded. Tragically, Greta collapsed shortly after, and despite CPR efforts, she could not be revived.

The subsequent autopsy revealed a devastating truth: a “large volume” of blood in Greta’s abdomen, along with signs of internal trauma consistent with the cystocentesis. Foulks was left devastated and distrustful of the veterinary profession. “Can I ever trust a vet again?” she pondered. The violation of trust deepened when the state board responsible for regulating veterinarians concluded that the vet had committed no wrongdoing.

Foulks’ experience is not unique. Recently, investigations by the Arizona Mirror uncovered a troubling pattern among veterinary boards that critics argue fail to hold veterinarians accountable. Complaints of malpractice are often dismissed, leaving pet owners like Foulks disillusioned. “It felt like an old boys’ club,” Foulks said, expressing her deep frustration with the system.

Arizona’s veterinary board is predominantly composed of veterinarians, leading to concerns about impartiality when addressing complaints. A historical review from 1997 revealed that a significant number of complaints were unjustly dismissed. Despite these ongoing issues, oversight in the veterinary field remains limited.

After her complaint was dismissed in late 2022, Foulks sought an appeal and addressed the board in April 2024. Armed with research and outside expert testimony, her hopes were high. However, she faced a frustrating reality when board members refused to consider additional evidence, leaving her feeling unheard and angry. “They led me to believe they cared,” she lamented.

Other pet owners echo similar frustrations. Veronica Postel shared her ordeal involving her cat, Jasmine, who was treated for supposed intestinal issues. Pressured to authorize costly surgeries, Postel sensed something was amiss. After refusing invasive procedures, Jasmine recovered without intervention. Postel too felt let down by the board, deeming her experience a waste of time.

The regulatory board continues to face scrutiny. Frederick John Milens III founded the Veterinary Victims League following a heart-wrenching experience losing his dog, Cody, to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. His efforts to uncover systemic flaws in veterinary oversight have revealed a pattern of dismissal within the board. “The board seems to be attacking the complainants,” he noted.

Despite challenges within the regulatory framework, some lawmakers are working to implement change. Republican state senator John Kavanagh plans to reintroduce bills that enhance accountability for veterinary malpractice, aiming to provide a larger monetary remedy for pet owners. However, past attempts have faltered, largely due to lobbyists representing veterinary associations.

For now, pet owners like Foulks and Milens seek greater transparency and accountability within the veterinary system. They hope that reform will arise, ensuring that the bond between pets and their owners is honored and safeguarded.

As legislative efforts continue, these advocates stress that transparency and integrity among veterinarians are crucial. “I’m anti-people who don’t have integrity,” Mason remarked, capturing the sentiments of countless pet owners who desire a more trustworthy system for their beloved animals.