Devastated parents push for change after vet daughter’s tragic death

Dr Sophie Putland dedicated her life to helping sick animals, but relentless client abuse pushed the 33-year-old to the brink. 

The Melbourne veterinarian took her own life in 2021 and now her devastated parents Garry and Kate are fighting for change, launching the charity Sophie’s Legacy to push for urgent reforms protecting veterinary staff from abuse.

Vets are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general public, statistics suggest, equating to one vet death every 12 weeks.

Days before her death, a client who arrived late for an appointment violently lashed out at Sophie with a tirade of abuse.

“And I think unfortunately that was her tipping point,” dad Garry said.

He said the hostility was frequently driven by treatment costs. 

"The client abuse can often come about because of price because there's no Medicare for pets," he told A Current Affair. 

Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell has taken the family’s fight to Victorian parliament, calling on the government to make veterinary care more affordable and accessible.

“We don’t want other families to go through the trauma that we’ve had to go through by losing our beautiful daughter that we’re so proud of,” Garry said.

To support Sophie’s Legacy visit its website.

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.