A veterinarian surgery that allegedly turned Derek away has responded to criticism as fundraising organisers look to establish a legacy in the cat’s memory
The much celebrated Cameron’s car park cat has sadly died.
The news was announced on Derek the cat’s GoFundMe page yesterday (Tuesday), after Belfast Live previously reported on how a good Samaritan and others tried to save his life. The fundraising page was originally set up to pay for his recovery but will now cover his vet bills and a memorial to the much-loved kitty.
Derek was discovered collapsed in the Ballymena car park – where he was a fixture who had his own wee house – by shopper Beverley Gibson on Saturday. Beverley said she rang Fenaghy Veterinary Practice just after 1pm where she was told on the phone that the practice would be closing at 2pm. She added that later at the practice, the attending veterinarian announced they had a personal matter to attend to and had to leave on time.
READ MORE: Community rallies to save Ballymena’s ‘celebrity carpark cat’ in critical conditionREAD MORE: Donaghadee Road vehicle fire LIVE as one person airlifted to hospital
Beverley said: “I arrived at the practice urgently with Derek. He was taken from me, but the response I witnessed was deeply concerning and lacked both urgency and compassion.
“I could clearly hear staff discussing closing at 2:00pm and questioning what they were going to do with him, rather than prioritising emergency care. The overall attitude of the staff, and in particular the attending vet, appeared dismissive, uncaring, and lacking in basic compassion for a critically ill animal.
“Although he was briefly examined, staff proceeded to make phone calls to other veterinary practices and Cats Protection while Derek remained in a critical, life-threatening condition on the premises. The attending vet stated that they were unwilling to instigate treatment as the practice was closing at 2:00pm.
“After these calls, I was informed that no one was willing to take responsibility for his care and that the practice was closing. In desperation, I contacted Yvonne’s Independent Cat Rescue to ask if I could bring Derek to their vets, Clare Veterinary Group, and whether he could be placed into their care on a temporary basis in order to ensure he received urgent treatment. Yvonne personally responded immediately and agreed without hesitation.
“I made it clear that Derek was at risk of dying in the car. At this stage, he was gasping for oxygen, his pupils were dilated, and he was in obvious distress. No advice was provided regarding safe transport or emergency measures. he attending vet stated she needed to leave at 2pm due to a personal matter. Before leaving, euthanasia was mentioned without any formal diagnosis or attempt at stabilisation.
“I transported Derek myself, sitting in the back seat holding and comforting him while my husband drove, attempting to maximise airflow. It was a frightening, emotional race against time for a cat that means so much to the local community. I phoned Clare Veterinary Group en-route to alert them. Upon arrival, Derek was immediately taken by a prepared team and given urgent care without delay or hesitation.”
Beverley and her husband rushed Derek to Clare Vet in Ballyclare – more than 15 miles away – in an effort to save his life, but unfortunately, despite their best efforts, he later passed away.
Belfast Live approached Fenaghy Vets for a right to reply.
A spokesman said: “Derek was seen and assessed by our team at Fenaghy Vets on Saturday. The team followed our usual protocol for emergency cases, which in this instance included an ultrasound examination and initial treatment to stabilise his condition.
“Suitable arrangements were then made for Derek to receive out-of-hours care at a 24-hour clinic, ensuring ongoing monitoring and treatment were in place. We recognise how much Derek meant to the Ballymena community and our thoughts are with everyone that cared for him’”
Derek’s memorial page was updated with the following message: “Derek, you made us smile and truly touched our hearts. If anything good can come from this, let it be a reminder to be kind to one another, kindness is everything.
“We will be arranging a memorial service for Derek, and will share details in due course for anyone who would like to attend and celebrate his life. Going forward, after settling Derek’s veterinary bill, we hope to arrange a permanent memorial for him in the car park (council permitting), such as an engraved plaque or stone.
“Any remaining monies will be used to set up ‘Derek’s Memorial Fund’ with Clare Vet Group to help other sanctuary cats in urgent need.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login