Veterinarians die by suicide at four times the public rate
Dr Sophie Putland, a 33-year-old Melbourne veterinarian, took her own life in 2021 after facing relentless client abuse.
Dr Sophie Putland dedicated her career to helping sick animals until client abuse pushed her to crisis. The Melbourne veterinarian died by suicide in 2021.
Research shows vets are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general public. One vet dies by suicide roughly every 12 weeks.
Days before her death, a client who arrived late for an appointment subjected Sophie to a violent tirade. Sophie's parents, Garry and Kate, have launched Sophie's Legacy charity to fight for reforms protecting veterinary staff.
They are calling on the government to make veterinary care more affordable and accessible. They argue that much of the abuse stems from treatment costs.
MP Georgie Purcell has taken their fight to Victorian parliament.
Why it mattersVets face a mental health crisis from regular abuse with little protection or support.
AustraliaVictorian government is under pressure to make pet veterinary care more affordable and to strengthen protections for vets facing client abuse.
