GEORGINA BRETMAN'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN HELENSBURGH: VETERINARY NURSE INJECTS DOG WITH INSULIN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Helensburgh, Georgina Anne Bretman, born around 1989 and residing on Glebefield Road, was found guilty of deliberately causing suffering to her own pet dog. The incident involved Bretman injecting her two-year-old black-and-white cocker spaniel, Florence, with insulin, a move that led to the animal experiencing severe hypoglycemia, followed by a collapse, convulsions, and seizures.

Florence's condition was critical, requiring immediate veterinary intervention to prevent her from slipping into a coma or even dying. The court heard that Bretman, a former veterinary nurse, intentionally administered the insulin not out of necessity but as an act of attention-seeking behavior. The motivation behind her actions remains unclear, as she chose not to provide any explanation during her trial. Witnesses described her as an individual who sought to draw attention to herself, even in her professional environment.

One notable incident was when her employer, A&E Vets, granted her an evening off. Predictably, within a few hours, Florence was brought back to the clinic in an emergency state, suffering from the same mysterious symptoms. This pattern raised suspicions among staff, particularly from her former employer, Lesley Herd, who became increasingly concerned about Florence's recurring health issues. Mrs. Herd recounted that she had taken blood samples from Florence to send to Glasgow University Vet School for testing, but Bretman had volunteered to deliver the samples, which, according to her, never arrived at the lab.

Mrs. Herd explained that the pattern of repeated collapses, coupled with consistently low blood glucose levels, suggested insulin had been administered to the dog. She described Bretman as “quite attention seeking” and noted her suspicion that Bretman would find ways to come into the clinic, especially when she was unhappy about her time off. Indeed, Bretman’s behavior and the pattern of Florence’s episodes led to her suspension and eventual dismissal from her position. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) was contacted by Mrs. Herd due to her concerns about Florence’s health.

During her trial, Bretman denied any responsibility, claiming her only intention was to diagnose Florence’s condition. When questioned about her motives, she insisted she did not dislike the dog and considered Florence her companion. Her defense team, led by Craig Findlater, presented 18 pages of references to the court, emphasizing her educational background, which includes a degree, and her history of caring for animals. Bretman was later banned from keeping dogs for two years, a restriction that expired in September 2019, and was sentenced to a community payback order of 140 hours of unpaid work.

In May 2019, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Veterinary Nurse Disciplinary Committee took the further step of striking Bretman off the veterinary register. The committee described her actions as “very serious and deplorable conduct,” emphasizing the breach of trust inherent in her role as a veterinary nurse responsible for animal welfare. The case highlighted the gravity of her misconduct, especially considering Florence’s urgent need for medical care and the trust placed in Bretman as her owner’s caregiver.

Despite her actions, Bretman was not banned from working with animals in general, but her professional license was revoked. Her case remains a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and responsibility in animal care professions, and it has left a lasting impact on the community of Helensburgh.