Sophie’s Legacy reaches 10,000 signature petition milestone

An Adelaide-based charity set up in honour of beloved veterinarian Dr Sophie Putland has reached a major milestone in its fight for better conditions - and save lives.

Garry and Kate's daughter, Sophie was a veterinarian who tragically took her own life. They are now campaigning for greater awareness of the issue and support for vets. Picture Matt Turner

An Adelaide charity fighting for better conditions and protections for veterinarians to help save their lives has reached a major milestone.

Sophie’s Legacy was started by the friends and family of Dr Sophie Putland, 33, who died by suicide in 2021 shortly after she was verbally abused by an angry pet owner.

Garry and Kate's daughter, Sophie was a veterinarian who tragically took her own life. They are now campaigning for greater awareness of the issue and support for vets which has just reached 10,000 signatures within eight weeks. Picture Matt Turner

Sophie’s dad and charity co-founder Garry Putland said vets and vet staff were four times more likely to die by suicide than people employed in other professions.

The charity launched the LOST campaign – including a photo of Dr Putland – to petition for legislative changes to improve workplace health standards to protect veterinary professionals.

It secured more than 10,000 signatures within eight weeks, with the petition to be tabled in the South Australian parliament.

“Sophie’s Legacy is willing to work with any politician - of any persuasion - to fix the mental health crisis enveloping the vet industry and to make the profession a safe, viable and attractive industry to younger people considering a job in the future,” the organisation said.

Established in 2022 by Dr Putland’s parents Garry and Kate, and brothers Tom and Oliver, the charity surveyed vets, vet nurses and other staff in the profession about what was needed to address the mental health crisis.

“We are so incredibly thankful to our supporters who are helping us shine a light on this issue,” Mr Putland said.

“Sophie’s Legacy is quite literally saving the lives of the people who save our animals.”

Dr Sophie Putland died by suicide, aged 33. Picture: Supplied by Family

Sophie’s Legacy was set up in her honour and to fight for changes in the industry. Picture: Supplied by Family

A survey of 600 people working in the vet field uncovered reports of regular client abuse by pet owners.

“Vets like Sophie get into the profession because of their love for animals and their compassion for them, and since Sophie’s death, we have been shocked by just how widespread the problem is and the horrific toll it is taking,” Mr Putland said.

Mr Putland said the LOST campaign was confronting, but necessary.

“It looks like a lost pet poster that you might see on a bus stop or at the shops, but tragically it’s a lost vets poster, with information about the suicide and mental health crisis within the profession,” he said.

“Veterinary professionals need greater support to deal with what is a highly emotional workplace.

“Pets are like family and when a family member is sick, emotions run high.

“There is no Medicare for pets – like there is for us humans – and that often results in boll shock which can lead to client abuse.”