Vet’s Family Fight for Change

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 5, 2026

The family of Melbourne veterinarian Dr. Sophie Putland, who died by suicide in 2021, is campaigning for better mental health support in the veterinary profession through their charity, Sophie’s Legacy. Their efforts aim to address the high suicide risk among veterinary workers and promote a safer, more supportive work environment, with a fundraising event planned for October 24 to raise awareness and resources.

The family of a Melbourne veterinarian who died by suicide in 2021 is advocating for improved mental health support within the veterinary profession. Dr. Sophie Putland, a passionate animal lover, faced ongoing client abuse, traumatic experiences, and challenging working conditions that contributed to her deteriorating mental health prior to her death.

Sophie’s mother, Kate Putland, described the family’s enduring grief and emphasized the urgent need for greater respect and understanding toward veterinary workers, who reportedly endure significant verbal abuse and threats on a daily basis. She highlighted the profession’s alarming suicide rate, noting that veterinary staff are four times more likely to die by suicide compared to other occupations.

In response to these concerns, the Putland family established Sophie’s Legacy, a charity aimed at addressing the mental health crisis within the veterinary industry. The organization seeks to provide support and raise awareness to prevent similar tragedies. Kate Putland said the charity is a way to honor Sophie’s memory and help ensure that young people pursuing careers as veterinarians, vet nurses, or veterinary technicians can do so without suffering adverse effects on their mental health.

The family is organizing a fundraising event, Raise a Glass For Hope, scheduled for October 24 at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium. The event aims to gather the community and key stakeholders to generate resources and attention for mental health programs supporting veterinary professionals. Local politicians have been encouraged to participate by gifting tickets to veterinary teams, following the example set by Victorian MP Georgie Purcell.

Kate Putland expressed that while Sophie loved her profession deeply, the intense pressures of the job ultimately overwhelmed her. “We don’t want any other family to experience that,” she said, underscoring the need for systemic change within veterinary workplaces to safeguard employees’ wellbeing.

The initiative by Sophie’s family seeks to create a lasting impact by promoting mental health resilience and fostering a supportive environment for those who care for animals, highlighting a critical issue facing the veterinary community nationwide.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.