Woman Petitioning For Law Change After Tragic Death Of Her Kitten

A woman is campaigning to the government to enshrine in law the need for all kittens to be vaccinated and examined by a vet before they can be legally sold.

Dianna Voyatzis has created a petition hoping to put the matter before parliament after her beloved pet Ghost died due to a hereditary condition that was only discovered once she arrived home.

Having bought Ghost on Gumtree - which is not a recommended way to buy a pet - the problems began to stack up.

Firstly, she was promised a long-haired cat, and Ghost had short hair. Regardless, she fell in love with the kitten and decided to keep her.

Then, Dianna contracted MRSA while in hospital, and was unable to take Ghost to get vaccinated by the vet as quickly as she'd have liked.

When she finally managed to take Ghost to have her jabs (which was okayed in advance by the vet), she was told the unfortunate feline had just days to live.

"I didn't know at this stage there was anything wrong with her [Ghost]," Dianna told LADbible.

"It was only when they listened to her heart [that] they realised. Ghost appeared to be a normal and healthy cat.

"Once I knew something was wrong, I took her to all the places I was able to."

Despite her new owner's efforts, Ghost died on 7 December from heart failure. It was confirmed that this condition was advanced and hereditary.

Now, Dianna wants to honour Ghost's memory by changing the law to stop situations like hers happening again.

A petition advocating for 'Ghost's Law' has so far gained nearly 7,000 signatures, but requires at least 3,000 more to guarantee a government response.

Dianna told LADbible: "I was unable to take Ghost to the vet's as soon as I would've liked, as I caught MRSA at the hospital and lost the movement in my arm completely due to this.

"When I did take her, the vet said, 'I am really sorry but your kitten is dying.'

"I couldn't believe this.

"She had a heart murmur and her stomach was full of fluid. I originally thought I was over feeding her, but the vet said that she only had two days to live.

"Ghost died on 7 December, at home with me.

"I was heartbroken because that was the day that I was taking her to have an operation to correct the valve in her heart."

Dianna concluded: "Ghost was an angel, that's why she left so suddenly.

"I have started a petition to change the law to require all kittens to be checked before they are sold.

"I was unable to save Ghost, but I would like to think I would be able to save other kittens, by giving them the best start to life and prevent backyard breeders from selling sick kittens."

While the RSPCA made no official comment on the proposed law change, they did say they would certainly agree with the sentiment of the petition, and welcome anyone trying to raise awareness of this issue.

Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert said: "Although we would always urge people to consider adopting a rescue pet instead, for those who are considering buying a kitten, it's important that they make the most informed decision they can when buying from a breeder.

"Sadly, we do see cases of cats coming into our care who have not had the correct vaccinations, care or attention and the results can not only be devastating for the cats themselves but also the new owners who have to provide the time and cost it takes to look after these very poorly kittens.

"This is why ourselves and other charities have drawn up The Kitten Checklist which provides information and peace of mind for anyone looking to bring a kitten into their home. It also outlines which questions to ask before buying a kitten including whether they have seen a vet and asking to see the veterinary records.

"Every year, the RSPCA investigates thousands of reports of poorly bred puppies, sickly kittens, and gangs breeding and trafficking sick animals to sell onto unsuspecting members of the public.

"We would therefore welcome any law which would make it harder for unscrupulous breeders to put profits over the welfare of animals.

"We'd also urge the public to be extremely cautious if they're looking for a new pet and urge them to consider adopting from a rescue centre. If you're concerned about where your pet has come from please report it to our cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 so we can look into it."

LADbible has contacted the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a comment.

Featured Image Credit: Dianna Voyatzis

Topics: UK News, Pets, Animals, Cats

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim