A 49-year-old Australian citizen, Jessica Clare White, has been sentenced to three months in prison in Bali after verbally abusing two veterinarians at BVC - Bali Veterinary Clinic Pererenan, located in the Pererenan area.
The incident occurred after Jessica was unable to pay for her cat’s medical expenses, and the clinic planned to take custody of the pet. This angered her, leading to verbal abuse towards the medical staff.
Public Prosecutor (JPU) Putu Deneil Pradipta Intaran stated that the defendant was found guilty under Article 167, Section 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
The case began on Saturday, September 3, when Jessica brought her sick cat, Rocket, to the veterinary clinic. The pet was suffering from an infection on its left paw and tail, requiring hospitalization. The clinic explained the procedure and estimated costs and asked Jessica to sign a hospitalization agreement and pay an advance fee of IDR 1.5 million (approx. USD 95).
“Since the cat required hospitalization, the defendant was informed of the timeline and expected expenses. Jessica agreed but requested a hospitalization document, which she signed,” the prosecutor explained.
Although Jessica initially agreed to all terms, she later stated that she could not make the payment due to issues with her bank card. Despite this, the clinic accepted the cat for treatment on the condition that she would sign the agreement and pay later.
During the cat’s hospitalization, the clinic regularly updated Jessica on Rocket’s condition. However, on September 16, she was informed via WhatsApp that the clinic would take custody of the cat due to non-payment.
Jessica immediately arrived at the clinic and demanded her cat back. Dr. Devita Vanessa, who was on duty at the time, tried to explain why the cat could not be returned. However, Jessica crumpled the hospitalization document and began verbally abusing the doctor. She then entered the intensive care and treatment room without permission, despite a “staff only” sign.
The clinic owner, Dr. Ni Made Restiati, asked Jessica to fulfill her financial obligations first, but she responded with further insults. The staff then called the police, leading to her arrest and sentencing.
Sources: nusabali.com
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