A Georgia veterinary hospital apologized after staff kept a 19-year-old cat alive for 18 months instead of euthanizing it as the family requested, only revealing the truth when the owner’s son discovered the animal living with an employee.
Family Discovers Deception Through Friend
Brian Jagt brought his purebred Ragdoll cat Annie to Senoia Animal Hospital and Pet Resort in February 2025, paying nearly $300 for euthanasia and cremation. The elderly cat had stopped eating, avoided her litter box, and winced when touched due to arthritis pain. Jagt, who recently euthanized his dog, couldn’t bear to stay during the procedure. The veterinarian assured him they would handle everything.
In July 2026, Jagt’s son Tyler learned from a hospital employee that Annie remained alive, living with a veterinary technician. The family discovered photos of the tech holding Annie posted on both her personal Facebook page and the hospital’s website. Police reports show the family expressed concern that the cat appeared in poor condition and was being kept alive beyond reason.
Hospital Admits Compassion Turned to Betrayal
Hospital management acknowledged the veterinarian and technician decided independently to spare Annie, believing she didn’t warrant euthanasia. They called it “a mistake made out of compassion.” The hospital’s written statement admitted they “fell short in honoring the trust the family placed in us” and reinforced policies to ensure client decisions are always respected. Annie was finally euthanized on August 13, 2026, 18 months after the family’s original request.
The employee who informed the Jagt family about Annie’s continued existence was terminated that same day. Hospital management claims the firing stemmed from “entirely different independent reasons unrelated to this incident” and denies knowledge of that employee’s involvement in exposing the situation.
Community Divided on Veterinary Ethics
The incident sparked debate among local pet owners about professional boundaries. Jan Tumlin, a community member, stated it’s not the vet or technician’s place to override an owner’s decision. Sandy Turpin, an eight-year client of the hospital, expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging both the importance of preventing unnecessary euthanasia and the need for compassionate end-of-life decisions. The Jagt family declined further comment, stating they’re satisfied with the hospital’s response and won’t pursue charges or additional action.
Sources
Wsbtv: Family takes ailing cat to be euthanized, but vet employee keeps pet alive for 18 months
This veterinary hospital needs to be shut down immediately !!! What if it was your mom or dad or God forbid your child, I don’t think you would want that crematory still doing business.
shut down is a little far.
Probably removing those in direct connection to this situation.
Firing jerk that fired the tech that talked about it, lies about firing should be dealt with too.
what was the condition of the cat that xreadited the request
This was wrong for so many reasons. The owners felt that their beloved cat was ready to cross the rainbow bridge. If the Vet was not in agreement, he/she should not have taken their money for doing nothing. The owners knew their cat and knew what they thought the cat wanted/needed. The Vet looked like an idiot firing the whistle blower which demonstrates that the vet erred in nor euthanizing the cat and keep the money. It is so sad to hear about this.
The vet should be sued and his license terminated w/vengeance!