We've been filming since 2018, but major changes are happening now that require urgent action. The film has been unfunded until this moment, operating on passion and commitment alone. We urgently need to complete critical filming in Australia, Europe, and the USA to capture key scientific experts and veterinary specialists while the momentum is building. We must complete filming by January 2026 at the latest to maintain the film's relevance and impact. Your support right now enables us to finish this important story and bring it to audiences worldwide.

• 2018-2024: Principal photography ongoing (Tom's clinic, veterinary interviews, scientific research)

• Now-January 2026: Critical international filming (Australia, Europe, USA - key scientists and veterinary specialists)

• December 2025-April 2026: Post-production, sound design, music composition

• June 2026: Theatrical release via FanForce (Australia, New Zealand wide, other countries to follow)

Crowdfunding contributions cover critical production costs including:

• International filming in Australia, Europe, and the USA

• Interviews with key scientists, experts, and veterinary specialists

• Equipment and crew for documentary production

• Post-production, editing, sound design, and music

• Archival research and licensing

• Impact campaign and community education resources

Every dollar goes directly into production—FanForce Productions has contributed significant equity and deferred fees to ensure maximum funding reaches the screen.

Absolutely. We've deliberately structured financing to maintain complete editorial independence. No pet food companies, veterinary associations, or industry bodies have any involvement or influence over this film's content. Our funding comes from independent sources including Documentary Australia Foundation and public crowdfunding support—ensuring the story remains true to Tom's 30-year mission.

Our crowdfunding goal is $250,000 to complete production filming in Australia and overseas. This represents approximately 14% of the total $1.8M budget. We have secured a small amount from government grants and tax rebates, plus distribution guarantees and production company investment—but we need this crowdfunding support to film international supporting veterinarian interviews, cover comprehensive documentation, and license critical archival materials while the evidence is active.

Yes. When making your donation, you can choose to remain anonymous. Your name will not appear in any public supporter lists or credits unless you explicitly opt in.

Yes! Any funds raised beyond our $250,000 goal will go directly toward:

• Extended international filming with additional scientists and veterinary specialists

• Enhanced impact campaign including community education programs

• Professional translation and subtitling for international distribution

• Expanded community screening programs across regional Australia and internationally

• Enhanced archival research and licensing

Tom Lonsdale is a 72-year-old Australian veterinarian who has spent 30 years documenting the harmful effects of processed pet food on companion animals. Throughout his career, Tom has consistently observed and removed diseased teeth from animals fed processed pet food diets, which is why he has campaigned relentlessly to alert people to the dangers of processed pet food on dental and overall health. His clinical experience led him to advocate for raw meaty bones feeding as a healthier alternative. Tom's work challenges the $130 billion pet food industry and has inspired veterinarians worldwide to reconsider conventional nutritional recommendations.

The cybernetic hypothesis, discovered by Tom Lonsdale, demonstrates the systemic link between periodontal disease (caused by processed pet food) and organ failure in dogs and cats. Bacteria from diseased gums enter the bloodstream, causing chronic inflammation in the heart, kidneys, and liver. Tom's clinical evidence shows a 90% reduction in dental disease—and associated organ problems—when animals switch from processed food to raw meaty bones.

The film will run approximately 90 minutes, standard feature documentary length.

Tom has compiled 30 years of documentation including:

• Clinical records from thousands of dental procedures showing dramatic health improvements

• Industry research documents and veterinary school funding records revealing conflicts of interest

• Correspondence with regulatory bodies and professional associations

• Peer-reviewed studies on periodontal disease and pet nutrition

• Before/after clinical photography and X-rays demonstrating the impact of diet changes

• Archives of his own published research and books challenging industry practices

Yes. Every claim in the film is supported by documented evidence, peer-reviewed research, clinical records, and expert testimony. Tom's methods have been replicated by veterinarians worldwide with consistent results. The film includes input from independent veterinary nutritionists, pathologists, and researchers with no ties to the pet food industry.

By funding this film through completely independent channels, including this public crowdfunding support, we maintain complete control over the content. FanForce's cinema-on-demand model enables communities to support screenings anywhere across the world, completely independent of traditional distribution channels that might be influenced by industry advertising. This maintains the ethos of Tom's 30-year fight for people to recognize the dangers of processed pet food on animals.

This is a powerful character study combined with an in-depth examination of the science behind periodontal disease and the impact of processed pet food. The film also explores how big corporations work to systematically capture industries and those connected to them through government inquiries and in-depth journalistic examinations. This is the first documentary with full inside access to Tom Lonsdale's 30-year archive of research and clinical evidence. Most pet documentaries focus on nutrition debates. The Mad Vet combines personal story, rigorous science, and corporate influence examination to create a comprehensive look at why the pet food industry operates the way it does.

We are aiming for an end of Q2 2026 release in Australia and New Zealand wide, with other countries to follow. The film will be distributed through FanForce's cinema-on-demand platform, enabling communities worldwide to host screenings. Festival circuit begins earlier in 2026, with international and streaming release following the theatrical run.

Join our newsletter on this page and we will be sending regular updates with screenings all across the world. We're looking for champions to help us spread the word—so let us know if that sounds like you!

• Digital rewards: A number of these will be delivered immediately where relevant, others will be delivered along the campaign as we create content. You will receive an email with further details of each reward.

• Name in credits: This will be confirmed in writing.

• Screening invitations: Notified 4-6 weeks before premiere events and FanForce theatrical release.

• Limited edition posters: Available for pickup at screening events (locations announced with FanForce schedule).

• Cast/crew screening (Sydney): Most likely Q2 2026, but will be confirmed.

• Tom's digital book: Delivered within one week of donation.

No. It is important to read the terms and conditions of donation as donations are not refundable and will be put to use immediately. Please consider this carefully before donating.

No. Tax-deductible donations through Documentary Australia Foundation cannot include rewards (per DGR charity regulations). However, you will receive:

• Immediate official tax receipt

• Listing as supporter (optional, anonymous if preferred)

• Access to general backer updates

• Priority notification of public screenings

Yes! Contact us at themadvetfilm@example.com with your original donation details and we'll help you upgrade to a higher reward tier.

Absolutely! We welcome international support. However, tax-deductible donations are only available to Australian taxpayers. International supporters should use the "Donate With Perks" option. Note: International shipping may apply to physical rewards.

No. Tom Lonsdale IS a veterinarian. This film exposes corporate fraud by pet food manufacturers—not the veterinary profession. Many veterinarians are supporting professionals in this story, breaking ranks to support Tom's evidence. The film examines how pet food companies fund veterinary education and influence the profession, but celebrates vets who prioritize animal welfare over industry pressure.

We advise you to consult with a veterinarian before making dietary changes. We will be providing resources for transitioning to raw feeding safely, and there are many guides to read as well as Tom's books that offer comprehensive guidance on making the switch properly.

No. Supporting a documentary is protected speech. You're funding journalism that exposes matters of public interest. Tom Lonsdale has already faced industry pushback for decades and continues his work within legal bounds. All evidence in the film has been reviewed by legal counsel.

Not necessarily. Most veterinarians genuinely believe they're providing good care based on their education. Many are simply following nutrition guidelines they learned in veterinary school—which is often influenced by pet food company funding. The film examines this systematic issue while respecting that individual vets are trying to help animals. Many veterinarians who learn about Tom's clinical evidence become advocates for natural feeding.

The Mad Vet includes a comprehensive impact campaign:

• Community screenings for pet owners, featuring Q&As with raw-feeding veterinarians

• Veterinary conference presentations of Tom's clinical evidence

• Educational resources for transitioning pets to natural feeding safely

• Public awareness campaign about the connection between diet and pet health

• Truth Sessions at veterinary schools examining corporate influence on pet nutrition education

• Online resources hub with guides, research papers, and Tom's books

• Share the campaign with fellow pet owners

• Request a screening in your area via FanForce

• Join our mailing list for updates and advocacy opportunities

• Share your pet's story if they've suffered from dental disease or organ problems

• Talk to your vet about raw feeding (bring Tom's research)

• Sign the petition for regulatory investigation (launching with the film)