Concerns over 'bogus vet'

The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has warned vets and farmers about a bogus vet in Limerick and it has reported him to the gardaí.

Jayson Wells is believed to be living in Limerick and may be running a business called Second Chance Farm Sanctuary, according to the VCI.

“The VCI wishes to remind all veterinary practices to be vigilant when interviewing prospective employees and to take the necessary steps to ensure they hold a recognised qualification in veterinary medicine or veterinary nursing and to check the VCI register.”

Legal requirement

“It is a legal requirement to be registered with the VCI in order to perform any acts of veterinary medicine within the Republic of Ireland,” it said.

It is urging all customers and farmers to be vigilant when engaging the services of a vet.

Wells received 19 months in prison and a seven-year ban from owning, adopting, treating or being in contact with animals

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has also warned its members in the UK not to employ Wells. A RCVS spokesperson said he has fraudulently practised as a veterinary surgeon in the UK and has pleaded guilty to a number of animal cruelty charges.

“In 2014, Wells received 19 months in prison and a seven-year ban from owning, adopting, treating or being in contact with animals. He was released in March 2015 and it appears that he is now active in the Republic of Ireland, running an animal rescue sanctuary.

“Although it seems Wells is currently operating in the Republic of Ireland, we would urge veterinary practices to be vigilant when interviewing for new veterinary positions,” the spokesperson said.

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