Pets put down without owners present due to lockdown, say vets

Pets are being put down without their owners being present because of the lockdown, vets have confirmed.

The charity PDSA said face-to-face appointments have been suspended unless there is an emergency situation.

Olivia Anderson-Nathan, a PDSA vet at Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital, said euthanasia was one reason the charity would offer a face-to-face appointment, because it is essential.

However, she said it may not always be possible for owners to be with their cats and dogs in their final moments due to social ­distancing rules.

Olivia said: “Some ­practices would not be able to allow that – maybe the room isn’t two metres wide, so you can’t stay far apart enough. We would always try to warn people if we thought there was a possibility their pet might get put to sleep.”

Telephone ­consultations are being offered by PDSA after the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons relaxed rules.

Olivia added: “We are doing our best to do as much as we can, and keep everyone safe.”