Veterinarian Punished for Faking Dog's Death

Here is a strange tail of deceit, a veterinarian and a family dog.  Recently a veterinarian in Milford, Pennsylvania had her license revoked for three months, order to pay a $1,000 fine and complete a five hour course in veterinary law and ethics by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. 

This vet, Jennifer Makem, received this punishment by her peers for faking the death of a dog owned by one of her clients. 

She had been asked to euthanize a German Shepard named Annie, whom was owned by Dana and Gary Ganyer.  It was a painful decision for the couple, but they felt they had made the right one as their Annie had become plagued with chronic debilitating seizures.

However, instead of giving Annie euthanasia on February 28, 2005, the veterinarian gave her a strong sedative and told the family that the dog passed away.

Makem’s defense in front of the board claimed that she believed she was acting under orders from her boss, the owner of the Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic.  She stated that she felt her job was under threat if she refused to sedate the dog instead of euthanize her.

Annie was later placed by the clinic with a Philadelphia man.  However, he had to have her euthanized in November of 2005 when she lapsed into a coma-like state for two days. 

The Ganyers are also seeking a lawsuit against Makem, the owner of the Mill Pod Clinic and Veterinarian Joanne Thayer, and staff member Corrine Wurst in unspecified damages.  It alleges that fraud, negligence and defamation by those involved.

Source: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-09252008-1596124.html