Vet’s license suspended after second animal cruelty charge

BRIDGEPORT — After his second arrest in as many years, a local veterinarian’s license to practice was suspended by the state, according to records.

The suspension for 75year-old Amr Wasfi went into effect Dec. 21, according to the state Department of Public Health website. Wasfi’s attorney John Gulash declined comment.

Wasfi is the sole doctor listed on the Black Rock Animal Hospital website. He founded the Fairfield Avenue facility in 1977.

He was charged on Dec. 10 with cruelty to animals in connection with the death of a 10-week-old puppy in his care, according to Capt. Brian Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald said the dog died of overheating after Wasfi allegedly left the puppy on a heating pad for “an extended period.”

Wasfi is next expected in court on March 10.

City police arrested Wasfi last year on the same charge after he allegedly performed an “unnecessary” surgery on a dog that was brought in with a limp, according to an affidavit for his arrest at the time.

Wasfi’s license was once revoked temporarily for “unskillfulness” toward an animal, according to court documents released in

2000.

The Connecticut Board of Veterinary Medicine reinstated Amr Wasfi’s license in 2003 after he petitioned for reinstatement. In the decision, the board said it believed Wasfi was again able to practice “veterinary medicine with reasonable safety and skill.”

Police ask any pet owner who believe they were the victims of criminal conduct by Wasfi are asked to call 203-576-TIPS.

Wasfi