Cowley-Perch, Donna

58y · Female·Pentobarbitone toxicity

A 58-year-old dog groomer died by suicide at a veterinary clinic by self-injecting with pentobarbitone (Lethabarb), an animal euthanasia drug. The coroner found that while the clinic's storage (unlocked cupboard) complied with existing Schedule 4 regulations, the regulatory regime is inadequate given the known prevalence of pentobarbitone misuse for suicide—at least 293 deaths nationally since 2000, with at least 33 sourced from veterinary clinics. The coroner found no failure by the clinic to foresee the risk at that time, but strongly recommends upscheduling injectable pentobarbitone to Schedule 8, implementing stricter storage controls, improved product labelling, better communication of safety information, and enhanced education and mental health support within the veterinary industry.