Vets face charges for dog’s death

An Iloilo City pet owner has filed a suit for damages against two veterinarians for the death of a precious canine.

Nelson Jayme, through his lawyer Lilia Jayme, sued veterinarians Armando Ploma and Marcellus Rebadulla for damages following the death of "Lucky," a three-year-old rottweiler. The STAR called the two veterinarians for their comment but they were not at their clinics at presstime yesterday.

Jayme is asking the court to award him damages amounting to P420,000. The civil case is now pending before the Iloilo City regional trial court.

"Lucky was no ordinary dog for he was a beautiful, tamed, big and loving dog. He was treated by Jayme’s family like a member of their family. Since Feb. 14, 2002, Lucky was carefully treated and cared for by the plaintiff, who provided Lucky with proper dog food, vitamins, shampoo, medication and regular vaccination. This special treatment was done by plaintiff for more than three years. Lucky was loved not only by the immediate members of the plaintiff’s family but as well by plaintiff’s collateral relatives and friends for he was big and robust yet he behaved like a puppy because he was properly tamed," Jayme said in his complaint.

Jayme said he spent about P100,000 for Lucky’s food, vitamins, medication, vaccination and other basic needs.

In December last year, Jayme alleged, Lucky developed several skin diseases. Jayme consulted Rebadulla, who owns a veterinary clinic. On Dec. 23, 2005, the hospital sent Ploma to the house of Jayme. Ploma administered Ivocep and Colitetral antibiotics to Lucky.

Four days after, Lucky died. Jayme then decided to have the dog autopsied by another veterinarian.

Dr. Ramon Banga came up with a tentative diagnosis blaming "possible drug overdose" for the death of Lucky.

Jayme further alleged in his complaint that the defendants failed to follow proper procedure in the treatment of animals.

"Because of the untimely death of rottweiler dog Lucky due to the negligent act of the defendants, plaintiff has suffered sleepless nights, wounded feelings, and serious anxiety which, if converted to monetary considerations, amounts to… P200,000," read the complaint. — Ronilo Pamonag