Man Attacks Vet After Dog Dies

by Dr. Chris

March 29, 2010 Yesterday in Palm Bay, Florida, police reported that a Brevard County man attacked a veterinarian and tried to choke him after learning that his dog died shortly after surgery.

Samuel Winstead, 60, left his pet "BB", a schnauzer, at the vet clinic so Dr. Jason Frydelund could remove some benign fatty tissue from the animal's chest.

Dr. Frydelund reported that the surgery went well, and the dog did recover from anesthesia. The staff then called Winstead to pick up the dog. But then, according to the staff, the dog suddenly died of a stroke. Then a second call was placed to the owner reporting that the dog had died.

"Apparently, he dropped his dog off for routine surgery, but the schnauzer died," said Yvonne Martinez, spokeswoman for the Palm Bay Police Department. "They called him to come get the dog and he just lost it. That's when he pulled out a knife and started to choke the doctor and pushed a nurse."

Witnesses at the scene said that Winstead pulled a utility knife and then started to choke the doctor, then he stopped and left. But before he left, he threatened to come back and kill the doctor.

Police caught up with Winstead in his car a short time after that. Police charged him with aggregated assault and battery. Winstead posted $30,0000 in bail and his court appearance is scheduled soon.

TAKE AWAY MESSAGE

Pet owners should be aware that anytime that a pet has surgery there is always a risk of death no matter how minor the surgery.

Veterinary staff need to make sure they inform pet owners about these risks and handle any unexpected animal deaths with great care and respect for the owner.

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