PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dr. Natara Loose, Veterinarian at Neighborhood Vet and Founder of Small Bites Rescue
2:32:04
·
135 sec
Dr. Natara Loose, a veterinarian and rescue founder, testifies about the impact of corporate takeover of veterinary practices on pet ownership and animal welfare. She highlights the increasing costs of veterinary care and its consequences on pet abandonment and shelter overcrowding.
- Dr. Loose started Small Bites Rescue during the pandemic to address the issue of pets being abandoned due to medical needs.
- She organizes low-cost spay/neuter clinics on her days off and works with other organizations to provide affordable veterinary care.
- Dr. Loose emphasizes the need for more affordable veterinary options and community-funded services to ensure accessible and sustainable pet care for all.
Dr. Natara Loose
2:32:04
Hi.
2:32:04
I wanna thank the council members who are still standing here to listen to all of us here.
2:32:09
I'm an Tara Luz.
2:32:10
I'm a veterinarian with the neighborhood vet and also started small bites rescue during the pandemic.
2:32:16
With the most recent corporate takeover of veterinary practices, it has significantly impacted pet ownership in animal welfare.
2:32:22
Historically, veterinary care was provided by independent private clinics that offer personalized services at more accessible prices.
2:32:28
However, if practices have been consolidated into corporate chains, the cost of veterinary services have surged leading pet owners struggling to afford routine and emergency care.
2:32:37
This has led to heartbreaking decisions to abandon pets on the streets or relinquish them to shelters.
2:32:42
I personally started a rescue after witnessing these homeless pets being abandoned due to medical needs.
2:32:47
Through my own clinic, I was able to provide veterinary care at cost to saving numerous lives.
2:32:52
However, even after finding living homes for these pets, some of these doctors were forced to relinquish them due to the overwhelming cost of ongoing veterinary care.
2:32:59
These pets should not suffer because of financial barriers.
2:33:02
In response to the urgent need for affordable options, I've organized low cost race by neutered clinics on my days off.
2:33:08
Let me repeat.
2:33:09
On my days off.
2:33:11
I've also worked with things organizations such as positive tales to help with their Spain interclinics as well.
2:33:16
I shouldn't have to do this, but I see they're struggle every single day.
2:33:19
These rescues need more help.
2:33:21
These rescue organizations are heavily burdened to take it on just not just faith in her senses, but also in advanced medical care that many pet owners can no longer afford.
2:33:36
This additional demand strades for strains of private, more affordable event, clinics like myself, which often step into assess these rescuers knowing they need our support.
2:33:46
Unfortunately, these clinics like myself are feeling pressure while battling battling their own constraints leading to emotional mental burnout among staff focusing on quality delivering quality care.
2:33:58
To combat this crisis, we must advocate for more affordable veterinary options and explore community funded services.
2:34:06
It's crucial that we come together veterinarians, pet owners, and community members to assure that veterinary care is accessible and sustainable for all.
2:34:13
Safe guarding the bonds between pet owners Pets and their owners welcoming better animal welfare in our community.