America’s Favorite Vet contest canceled due to cyberbullying
A Polk County veterinarian has gotten caught up in the issue of cat declawing.
Dr. Mitsi Vargas was a finalist for the America’s Favorite Vet contest sponsored by the American Veterinary Medication Foundation.
“I was really excited,” said Vargas about the contest. “All the clients were excited. We were really having a good time.”
But the America’s Favorite Vet cancelled the contest. The group said that was because opponents of cat declawing were making harassing web posts against many of the finalists and even making harassing phone calls to the vets’ offices.
That included Dr. Vargas’ Orchid Spring Animal Hospital.
“For me to have so much love for the cats and to be debased and insulted for the thing I love the most is very upsetting,” said Vargas.
Opponents of cat declawing believe it is a painful maiming of an animal. Opponents have even produced an hour long documentary film titled “The Paw Project.”
Lori Shepler, with the City The Kitty Facebook site, said she encouraged her followers to vote for a veterinarian who didn’t declaw cats. She said she didn’t encourage her followers to make harassing posts or phone calls.
Even though the contest was cancelled, Vargas will receive a $500 prize. She said she will donate it to the Humane Society of Polk County.
