Woman is branded a ‘bad person’ after insisting pet owners should not take on ‘life-altering medical debt’ on behalf of their animals

From adorable puppies to cuddly kittens, animals are valued members of many families, with many owners claiming they would do anything for their furry friends.

So when they are faced with an unexpected illness or injury, it can be a very difficult time for everyone involved. Owners are being forced to pay thousands of pounds in vet bills, with some even going abroad to avoid skyrocketing costs.

A heated debate has erupted on social media after a woman insisted that pet owners should not take on ‘life-changing medical debt’ on behalf of an animal.

The X (formerly Twitter) user from Cleveland, Ohio, passing by @realgirl_fieridecided to share her controversial take on the subject – which has made many people unhappy.

The tweet, posted yesterday, has already been seen by more than 7.2 million people and has attracted 700 responses.

The tweet, posted yesterday, has already been seen by more than 7.2 million people and has generated 700 responses

Adding to her point, the American added: ‘If rehousing to a family that can more easily afford care is an option, that’s a good option!

“But it’s never a good idea to permanently change your own financial situation for a pet.”

Some pet owners agreed, with one writing, “Oh girl, you’ll be crucified for this, but you’re right.”

A second joked: ‘Someone put up flyers in Manhattan with a link to a GoFundMe for his dog’s brain cancer treatment, with a photo of the dog, which is clearly old. I think maybe they need to hear this.”

Meanwhile, a third said: ‘Years ago I would have disagreed SO strenuously, but now, after so many cat and dog rescues, I’m starting to agree with you. Vets can be absolutely evil by testing too much and making you feel guilty.”

One who had personally struggled with this difficult dilemma admitted, “Amen! They thought our dog probably had a brain tumor because he was showing all the signs, but it would cost $6,000 to find out, and unfortunately it didn’t.”

Another reasoned, “I didn’t go into debt, but I did spend $6,000 saving our dog in February.

‘It was emergency surgery and my heart won. I don’t regret it, but it was a big drain on my savings and I wouldn’t judge anyone if they had made a different choice.’

Some pet owners agreed, with one writing: ‘Oh girl you will be crucified for this but you are right’

Another user argued: ‘Life-changing medical debt for animals – and HUMANS – simply shouldn’t exist. People should NOT be forced to give up their pets because they cannot afford to treat them.”

However, some people were outraged by the controversial opinion, calling her a ‘bad person’ and demanding that she should never be allowed to have a pet.

One owner noted, “If you’re not willing to cover the costs and you don’t get insurance, you don’t deserve your pet.”

A second wrote: ‘If you are one of those people who would rather let their animal die than seek medical care, never get a pet.

‘When you buy an animal, you accept that at some point it will have health problems and need care. If you don’t want that responsibility, don’t take it. Simple.’

Others simply wrote: “Then never have a pet” and “I don’t care. Money comes and goes, a friend is forever.’

‘You can’t get a pet without pet insurance’ and ‘Did you have to say that on National Pet Day?’ joked X users.

Another pet owner wrote: ‘I spent $10,000 to keep my dog ​​alive. I would never regret it. Don’t have animals if you can’t afford their care.’

However, some people were outraged by the controversial opinion, calling her a ‘bad person’ and demanding that she should never be allowed to have a pet.

‘There’s so much I want to say here, but I won’t. You are entitled to your opinion. But I’ll just put it simply. Respectively NO’ added another angry owner.

The heated debate comes just after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned that pet owners may be paying too much at the vet for their animal’s medicines, prescriptions and care.

The CMA’s research found that consumers may not be given enough information – including price lists – to enable them to choose the best practice and treatment for their pet.

Caitlin Dolan, 25, told how her cat, named Precious, died because she couldn’t even afford the £3,000 bill she was given for tests and treatment.

Mrs Dolan, who took her cat to the vet because he seemed lethargic, told the BBC that the “emotional toll” of not being able to pay the bill was “unbelievable”.

‘We couldn’t even afford it. The emotional toll was unbelievable,” she said.

Ms Dolan added that the vets were ‘not really prepared’ to tell her what was wrong with her cat ‘without her having undergone £3,000 worth of tests and treatments’.

Meanwhile, a cat owner told MailOnline they were ‘outraged’ after being charged £5,000 for surgery on their tabby, who suffered a broken leg after being hit by a car, while their insurance only covered £4,000.