Pomeranian given 'death sentence' in consent form mix-up

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-33412401

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The owner of a Pomeranian dog with breathing problems mistakenly signed a form agreeing to it being put down.

Linda Winson and her family say there was no consultation about a lethal injection for seven-year-old Bella.

She took the dog to a vets in Derbyshire and signed paperwork which she thought was for treatment. She held her pet as it was injected.

Jamieson Veterinary Centre said an animal would never be put down without the owner signing a consent form.

'Death sentence'

Mrs Winson's son Ray said: "Mum thought she was signing a consent form to put the dog under to examine Bella because she was shaky.

"The needle was administered and that was unfortunately Bella's death sentence.

"She fell asleep in Mum's arms."

He said his mother did not realise the dog had been put down until she asked when she could come back to take her home and was told: "Her ashes will be ready for collection tomorrow".

"Nothing was mentioned about any form of lethal dose. There was no consultation, no examination. If Bella was ill, we didn't know she was ill," Mr Winson said.

Solicitor Russell Davies of Smith Partnership said cases like this were rare but added it was important for people to know "exactly what they were signing".

"Vets try to make sure someone has it fully and clearly put to them and they understand what they are consenting to and it appears in this case that hasn't happened."

Jamieson Veterinary Services said it could not comment on the specific case, which happened in early June, but stressed that an animal would never be put to sleep unless a consent form had been signed.

Practice manager Christine Jamieson said she was sorry the owner had "lost her dog', but said the client had sufficient time to read the consent form.