An incident of alleged veterinary negligence has devastated a Rhode Island family, resulting in legal action. Kristen Breton from Lincoln, Rhode Island, brought her beloved St. Bernard puppy, Princess Freckles, to a medical center for routine procedures in August 2022. This decision was made due to the temporary closure of her usual vet's office. Initially, Princess Freckles appeared to recover well after the surgery. However, over time, the dog began exhibiting concerning symptoms that progressively worsened over two years. What started as minor stomach issues eventually escalated to severe and frequent vomiting, leading to emergency veterinary visits.

During an X-ray examination at another veterinary practice, a startling discovery was made: a metal object was found inside Princess Freckles' abdomen. A necropsy report later confirmed that the object was a surgical instrument called a hemostat along with some surgical gauze. Faced with the dire condition of her pet, Breton made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize Princess Freckles, who was only three years old at the time. The realization that this tragedy could have been prevented left Breton feeling both furious and heartbroken. She expressed frustration over the preventable nature of her dog's suffering and death.

Breton and her family have since filed a lawsuit against Dr. Deborah Hirschmann, who has been placed on probation by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Attorney Marshall M. Raucci, representing the Breton family, emphasized the importance of advocating for voiceless patients like animals. He highlighted that current laws do not adequately protect pets or their owners, especially in cases where pets are treated more like property than living beings. This case underscores the need for legislative changes to better safeguard the welfare of pets and ensure accountability within the veterinary profession. The family hopes that their story will inspire lawmakers to enact stronger protections for pets and their guardians.