The incident, which took place in 2021 in Framlingham, Suffolk, led to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) tribunal finding her guilty of “disgraceful” professional conduct.
Despite Parody’s compassionate decision, she was criticised for acting without the owner’s consent and charging nearly £500 for the treatment.
Decision to save the cat
Parody, who had a strong reputation as a vet, was tasked with putting down an eight-month-old cat named Shadow because he suffered from a skin condition caused by MRSA.
However, after having already euthanised several animals that morning, she felt unable to proceed with Shadow's euthanasia, deeming him “happy” and curable. Against the owner's wishes, she sedated the cat, castrated him, and removed his microchip before taking him home for further care.
Tribunal ruling
The cat's owner, initially unaware of the situation, was later asked to pay £480 for Shadow's treatment. She was both happy and shocked that her cat was still alive.
The RCVS tribunal acknowledged that Parody was working under stressful pandemic conditions but criticised her for making "poor decisions" and failing to follow professional protocols. Though reprimanded, Parody remains highly regarded by colleagues, who describe her as an “exceptional vet” despite the incident.
Shadow was euthanised two months later after his condition worsened.
