Vet issues plea after losing three colleagues to suicide

Vet pleads with pet owners to ‘be kind’ after losing three colleagues to suicide in three weeks – amid an increase in verbal abuse, threats and stalking

• Jessi Lewis shared a heartfelt message on social media after three suicides
• Vet, from Bristol, said profession face verbal abuse, harassment and stalking
• She has urged Britons to show compassion when visiting vets with their pets
• For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or go to samaritans.org 

A veterinarian has issued a heartfelt plea to pet owners to be kind to those in the profession after losing three colleagues to suicide in a matter of weeks.

Jessi Lewis, from Bristol, has said ‘enough is enough’ after her colleagues faced tough situations at work, including being verbally abused, harassed and even ‘stalked’.

Ms Lewis claimed vets also face physical threats whilst simply doing their jobs. 

In a harrowing post on social media, the woman urged pet owners show compassion, while highlighting the link between the job and suicide. 

She said: ‘The veterinary profession is struggling. We are heartbroken, we’ve lost three of our own within three weeks.

‘One I knew directly, the other two are close friends of friends. All wonderful, compassionate, dedicated, intelligent and talented people, lost far too young.’

Jessi Lewis, from Bristol, has said ‘enough is enough’ after her colleagues faced tough situations at work, including being verbally abused, harassed and even ‘stalked’

In a harrowing post on social media, the woman urged pet owners show compassion, while highlighting the link between the job and suicide

Ms Lewis said those in the job ‘put our blood, sweat and tears’ into being the best they possibly can, adding: ‘We strive for perfection in a field in which perfection can never be achieved.’

She said: ‘Rather than being thanked and appreciated, we often get yelled at, sworn at, blamed for prices which are way out of our control (I get that pet care is expensive and increasing, cost of living crisis affects all industries!).

‘We get verbally abused, harassed, sometimes physically threatened and stalked online. But through all that we still have to try and remain polite, composed and caring and still try to do what is best for your pet.’

Ms Lewis said the last few weeks have been a ‘stark reminder of the darker side of our world,’ adding this is ‘heartbreaking to see’.

She added: ‘So I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again; please just be kind, not just to vets, to everyone. It’s dark and it’s winter and things are expensive and everyone is struggling, just be kind. Please don’t yell and shout and swear at people who try to help you.’

Ms Lewis said those in the job ‘put our blood, sweat and tears’ into being the best they possibly can, adding: ‘We strive for perfection in a field in which perfection can never be achieved’

Ms Lewis said the last few weeks have been a ‘stark reminder of the darker side of our world,’ adding this is ‘heartbreaking to see’

The post has been shared hundreds of times on social media, with dozens rushing to show their support to Ms Lewis and British vets.

Monica Frankland said: ‘Everything you people do for our animals is truly amazing. I, like many others have nothing but respect for vets/veterinary nurses.

‘Your patience, your determination, your love for our animals goes above and beyond. It must be so hard to leave your job at the end of the day and turn off.’

Petra Longhorn said: ‘So so sad, I’m from Bedford and my son’s American bully recently had a serious accident which resulted in two severed arteries in his leg, lots and lots of stitches and copious amounts of bandages and check ups.

Ms Lewis also shared an image of a charity named Not One More Vet (NOMV)

‘He cost us over £2,000 but every vet/nurse that was involved with his care were amazing. Your job is relentless and so very appreciate, thank you.’

Ms Lewis also shared an image of a charity named Not One More Vet (NOMV).

This charity was established in 2014 by Dr Nicole McArthur following the suicide of Dr Sophia Yin.

Their website reads: ‘NOMV will transform the status of mental wellness within the profession so veterinary professionals can survive and thrive through education, resources, and support.’

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or go to samaritans.org 

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