Crackdown on fake vets in the city

Tip-offs lead to investigations

THE ANIMAL Welfare Society is investigating six suspects for illegally operating as veterinarians around Cape Town.

As many as six dogs have died due to fake vets offering vaccinations and medication at cheap rates, but who actually administered the wrong treatment or faulty vaccines.

The Weekend Argus last week published a story of fake vets operating in the Cape Flats, and more owners have revealed how their pets have been harmed by con artists.

Animal Welfare Society (AWS) spokesperson Allan Perrins said it had received tip-offs about fake vets, such as a woman saying she seen her neighbour’s dog in Eastridge dying after being mistreated.

The AWS had been able to identify another dog that had died after being mistreated in the area by the same suspect.

“(The owner) explained that the puppy had been given two vaccinations at her home by a man who did not supply her with either a vaccination card or stickers with batch numbers,” said Patrick Horrigan, a spokesperson for the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). “This is another example of the dangers that our animals are exposed to, when they are treated illegally.”

He warned owners to avoid people posing as vets, as well as come forward with any information that would help apprehend them.

“It’s not a new problem, but it’s always extremely difficult to catch,” Horrigan said. “We’re all working together with other animal welfare organisations to bring these illegal operators to book.”

The SPCA and the AWS have reported former staff members to the South African Veterinary Council after discovering that they operated as fake vets.

“The problem is widespread within the entire animal welfare sector, with ex-staff members or shrewd employees operating opportunistically,” said SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham. “If any individual offers to treat your animal after hours at extremely affordable rates, we recommend that their qualifications be verified with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).”

Lynette Havinga, registrar for the SAVC, added: “Laypersons who pose as veterinarians are doing so illegally and should be prosecuted, as only registered veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals may treat animals.”

Mervyn Onrust, from Delft, lost his puppy Max, a five-month-old German Shepherd and husky cross-breed, which received “vaccinations” from a man who claimed he worked for a vet. A week later, the puppy fell ill and had to be put down.

Onrust has completed a police affidavit detailing his ordeal. “This guy needs to be named and shamed to warn other pet owners around the area,” he said.

Anyone with information about a fake vet can contact the SPCA (021 700 4158) or the AWS (021 692 2626).