Manitoba veterinarian's licence suspended over alleged misuse of narcotics
CBC
A Manitoba veterinarian has had her licence suspended and is facing disciplinary action over alleged misuse of narcotics, including allegations she posed "a serious risk to the public" and worked with animals while she was under the influence.
The regulatory body for veterinarians in Manitoba has filed documents in court alleging the veterinarian took narcotics from the vet clinic for her personal use.
She "had repeatedly engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine while appearing to be under the influence of narcotics, resulting in physical harm or death to animal patients," the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association alleges in court documents filed Aug. 30.
The association received complaints about the veterinarian's conduct in January 2021 and began an investigation.
CBC is not identifying the veterinarian. The Manitoba Veterinary Medical Act says the media cannot report information that would identify the veterinarian unless there's a finding of professional misconduct at a disciplinary hearing convened by the regulatory body.
The complaints allege the vet had a "pattern of providing veterinary care while showing signs of intoxication and impairment, including losing alertness in the middle of procedures," a court document says.
As a result of the alleged abuse of pharmaceutical products, the veterinarian failed to keep appointments, failed to be at her veterinary clinic on a regular basis, and failed to respond in a timely manner to client inquiries, the document says.