Veterinary technician poisons her cocker spaniel for attention

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a form of abuse where the caregiver delibrately makes the recipient ill in order to gain sympathy and attention from others. The recipient in this case is a cocker spaniel named Florence. Georgina Bretman was convicted of causing unecessary suffering to Florence–the first case of its kind in Scotland. In 2011, Florence recieved emergency care several times for vomiting and seizures. Veterinarian Lesley Herd became suspicious. “Because of the pattern of collapse and low blood glucose on each occasion, and the fact that the dog was normal between episodes, I was suspicious insulin had been administered to the dog.”

The fact Bretman is a veterinary technician is deeply troubling. She happended to work in the same clinic with Herd. Bretman was fired from her position. Florence was rehomed and is doing well. Bretman returns to court for sentencing this month.