Bogus veterinarian arrested in Mitchells Plain
An alleged fake veterinarian arrested in Mitchells Plain for animal cruelty.
Image: File
A Mitchells Plain man, accused of being a bogus veterinarian, is now facing criminal animal cruelty charges.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed that the breakthrough was made in an ongoing investigation involving an alleged fake veterinarian operating from a property in Portlands, Mitchells Plain.
On May 8, SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini, armed with a search warrant from the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court, was shocked by what he found.
In the joint operation with Mitchells Plain SAPS and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, they found two American Bully-type dogs on static chains.
According to the SPCA, one of the dogs was suffering from potential complications caused by the treatment of an alleged gunshot wound to the face.
Criminal charges have been opened against the accused in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 relating to animal cruelty, as well as contraventions of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act 19 of 1982 for allegedly performing veterinary procedures whilst not being registered with the South African Veterinary Council.
The SPCA said in a statement: “This case highlights the extreme danger posed by individuals who falsely present themselves as qualified veterinary professionals.
“Animals suffer tremendously when unqualified persons perform procedures, administer medication, or attempt medical treatment without the necessary qualifications, oversight, or legal authority.”
The SPCA also warned members of the public to exercise extreme caution when seeking veterinary care for their animals and to ensure that any veterinarian or para-veterinary professional is properly registered with the South African Veterinary Council.