The Mad Vet - One Man's Fight Against Big Pet Food








DONATE NOW

✓ Secure ✓Global ✓Trusted
"The foolish and the dead never change their opinions." – Dr. Tom Hungerford OBE, University of Sydney
"This has the potential to challenge everything veterinarians believe to be true." – Dr. Douglas Bryden AM, Veterinary Educator
"Within one week, the bloodied faeces that plagued my cat for seven years disappeared." – Cat Owner, 2018 Parliamentary Submission
"This is a Silent Spring for companion dogs and cats." – Judy McMahon, The Canine Journal
"My dogs are outrageously healthy physically and mentally." – Tafline Gillespie, Dog Trainer
"Multinational corporations work through front organisations to influence public opinion." – Dr. Richard Malik, Sydney University
"This Don Quixote of Dog Food has the courage of his convictions." – Dr. Michele Cotton, Centre for Veterinary Education
"After two years on raw feeding, my cat has had zero urinary problems." – Tamara Rousso, Oregon
"My 8-year-old Lab started throwing her bone in the air with joy after just two weeks." – Zara's Owner, USA
"85% of dogs over 3 years old suffer from periodontal disease." – Veterinary Research Data
"His coat went from moth-eaten to lustrous. His health transformed completely." – George's Owner, Parliamentary Submission
"This is about the animals who can't speak for themselves." – Dr. Tom Lonsdale
"My dog's compulsive scavenging stopped completely when we switched to raw feeding." – Clinical Case Study
"The foolish and the dead never change their opinions." – Dr. Tom Hungerford OBE, University of Sydney
"This has the potential to challenge everything veterinarians believe to be true." – Dr. Douglas Bryden AM, Veterinary Educator
"Within one week, the bloodied faeces that plagued my cat for seven years disappeared." – Cat Owner, 2018 Parliamentary Submission
"This is a Silent Spring for companion dogs and cats." – Judy McMahon, The Canine Journal
"My dogs are outrageously healthy physically and mentally." – Tafline Gillespie, Dog Trainer
"Multinational corporations work through front organisations to influence public opinion." – Dr. Richard Malik, Sydney University
"This Don Quixote of Dog Food has the courage of his convictions." – Dr. Michele Cotton, Centre for Veterinary Education
"After two years on raw feeding, my cat has had zero urinary problems." – Tamara Rousso, Oregon
"My 8-year-old Lab started throwing her bone in the air with joy after just two weeks." – Zara's Owner, USA
"85% of dogs over 3 years old suffer from periodontal disease." – Veterinary Research Data
"His coat went from moth-eaten to lustrous. His health transformed completely." – George's Owner, Parliamentary Submission
"This is about the animals who can't speak for themselves." – Dr. Tom Lonsdale
"My dog's compulsive scavenging stopped completely when we switched to raw feeding." – Clinical Case Study

ABOUT THE FILM

THE MAD VET follows Dr. Tom Lonsdale, a 72-year-old Australian veterinarian whose clinical observations challenged conventional wisdom about pet nutrition.


For three decades, Tom has documented how dietary choices affect the long-term health of carnivorous pets. His research into natural feeding approaches has sparked scientific debate and inspired veterinarians worldwide to reconsider their assumptions about species-appropriate nutrition


Through intimate access to Tom's veterinary practice, we witness the dramatic health transformations of pets whose owners chose alternative feeding methods. We also follow Tom's collaboration with colleagues who are asking difficult questions about the relationship between commercial interests and veterinary education.



This is a story about scientific inquiry, professional courage, and one man's unwavering commitment to animal welfare—even when it meant standing alone.

WHY THIS FILM MATTERS NOW


Periodontal disease affects 85% of pets over three years old, yet veterinary schools spend limited time teaching nutrition compared to pharmaceutical and commercial diet protocols.


Tom's decades of clinical evidence show that carnivores evolved to process specific foods that keep their teeth clean and bodies healthy. His documentation of patient transformations—from chronic illness to vitality—demonstrates outcomes that challenge standard feeding recommendations


With veterinary medicine increasingly influenced by corporate partnerships, Tom's independent research provides crucial perspective on what truly serves animal health versus what serves commercial interests.


PRODUCTION TIMELINE:

Film completion: January 2026


Public release: June-July 2026

HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS

We're raising $250,000 to complete principal photography and post-production. Your contribution funds:

60% - Production & Filming
($150,000)

  • Final shoot days capturing Tom's clinic work

  • Patient transformation stories and follow-ups

  • Expert interviews with veterinary researchers

  • Drone footage and cinematic sequences

25% - Post-Production
($62,500)

  • Professional editing and color grading

  • Sound design and original score

  • Graphics and animation for scientific concepts

  • Archive footage licensing

15% - Campaign & Delivery
($37,500)


  • Platform fees and payment processing

  • Digital rewards fulfillment

  • Campaign marketing and outreach

  • Backer communications and updates

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

SUPPORT THE FILM

WITH PERKS

TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION

VIA DOCUMENTARY AUSTRALIA
Secure Checkout

Option 1: Direct Support with Rewards

  • Select from 12 reward tiers

  • Receive production credits, eBooks, exclusive access

  • Direct contributions to film completion

Option 2: 100% Tax-Deductible Contribution

  • Donate via Documentary Australia Foundation (DGR registered)

  • Full tax deduction for Australian residents

  • Support public interest documentary journalism

  • Learn more →



REWARD TIERS

[readmore]

$25 

Tier 1: Supporter

What You Get:

  • Support acknowledgment in credits

  • Name listed on campaign website

  • Production updates via email

$50 

Tier 2: Advocate

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 1, PLUS:

  • Digital eBook: "Raw Meaty Bones: Promote Health"

  • Digital poster (suitable for framing)

$100 

Tier 3: Champion

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 2, PLUS:

  • Digital eBook: "Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones"

  • Special Thanks credit in end credits

  • Access to behind-the-scenes photo gallery

$250 

Tier 4: Warrior

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 3, PLUS:

  • Digital eBook: "Multi-Billion-Dollar Pet Food Fraud: Hiding in Plain Sight"

  • Associate Producer credit in end credits

  • Personalized digital certificate from Tom Lonsdale

$500

Tier 5: Guardian

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 4, PLUS:

  • Digital eBook: "Spin Doctors"

  • Your dog's photo in the end credits (with name)

  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary footage

  • Invitation to virtual Q&A with Tom Lonsdale

$1,000

Tier 6: Crusader


What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 5, PLUS:

  • Executive Producer credit in end credits

  • Personalized video thank you message from Tom Lonsdale

  • Early digital screener access (2 weeks before public release)

$2,500

Tier 7: Protector


What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 6, PLUS:

  • Co-Producer credit in end credits

  • Double pass to a screening during first week of theatrical release (location-dependent)

$5,000

Tier 8: Liberator

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 7, PLUS:

  • Producer credit in end credits

  • 30-minute private virtual consultation with Tom Lonsdale about your dog's health

  • Organization featured as official partner (logo in credits + promotional materials)

$10,000

Tier 9: Visionary

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 8, PLUS:

  • Lead Producer credit in end credits

  • Private dinner with Tom and the filmmaking team in Sydney

  • Comprehensive resource package for veterinary professionals

$25,000

Tier 10: Pioneer

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 9, PLUS:

  • Executive Producer credit with special acknowledgment in opening credits

  • Private virtual screening for your group (up to 50 attendees)

  • Named recognition in film festival materials

$50,000

Tier 11: Champion of Change

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 10, PLUS:

  • Presenting Sponsor credit (upfront in opening credits)

  • Co-branded promotional materials for your organization

  • Speaking opportunity at film festival premiere event

$100,000

Tier 12: Legacy Supporter

What You Get:

  • Everything from Tier 11, PLUS:

  • "In Association With" upfront credit

  • Permanent recognition on campaign website and future editions

  • Lifetime consultation access with Tom Lonsdale (quarterly check-ins)

Make It Your Own

Custom Tier:


Contact us to create a bespoke package:

Email: themadvet@fan-force.com

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the film be completed?

Principal photography completes in January 2026, with public release scheduled for June-July 2026. Digital screeners for select backer tiers will be available 2 weeks before public release.


How will I receive my rewards?


Digital rewards (eBooks, posters, screeners) will be delivered via email by February 2026. Credit-based rewards (Producer credits, photo in credits) will be confirmed in August 2026 before final credits are locked. Physical rewards ship October-November 2026 after film completion.


Is this film available for educational institutions?


Yes. We're developing an educational package with discussion guides for veterinary schools and animal welfare courses. Contact us for institutional licensing information.


What happens if you don't reach the goal?


If we don't reach $250K by December 31, 2025, we'll complete a shorter version focusing on Tom's core clinical work. The full version with extended patient testimonials, expert interviews, and comprehensive production requires complete funding to finish by our January 2026 deadline.


Can I change my reward tier after pledging?

Yes, you can upgrade your tier any time before the campaign closes on December 31, 2025. Contact us at themadvet@fan-force.com for assistance.

Will the film be available on streaming platforms?

Following the theatrical and festival run in mid-2026, the film will be available on major streaming platforms. Backers at Tier 2+ will receive digital access regardless of streaming availability.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes! Donations made through Documentary Australia Foundation are 100% tax-deductible for Australian taxpayers. Documentary Australia is a registered DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) charity. You'll receive an official tax receipt immediately after donating. Note: Tax-deductible donations via Documentary Australia do not include rewards or perks.

What's the difference between the two donation options?


Direct donations via FanForce allow you to choose reward tiers (eBooks, credits, screening access, etc.). Tax-deductible donations via Documentary Australia Foundation provide a full tax deduction for Australian residents but do not include rewards. Both options support the film's completion equally.


Can international supporters donate?


Yes! Direct donations via FanForce are available to anyone worldwide. The tax-deductible option via Documentary Australia is primarily for Australian taxpayers, though international supporters can also donate through this pathway (tax deductibility depends on your local tax laws).

Stay Updated on Production

Get behind-the-scenes updates, production news, and early access to trailers.




FANFORCE TV acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this page may contain images or names of people who have passed away.