'Incompetent' Vancouver vet has licence pulled

A Vancouver veterinarian has been banned from practising animal medicine in B.C. after a professional inquiry found he provided care "far below the skill expected of a competent practitioner" and for "moral turpitude."

The B.C. Veterinary Medical Association announced Friday that Hakam Singh Bhullar's name would be "erased from the register," equivalent to withdrawing his licence to practise.

Bhullar co-owner of Atlas Animal Hospital in Vancouver says he's the victim of bias.

An association inquiry found Bhullar guilty of17 charges, ranging from botched surgery to poor medical record-keeping, unethical marketing and a "contemptuous attitude" toward the investigation of the complaints against him.

The most contentious case involved throat surgery on a dog named Wendy,which wasintended to prevent her from barking. The dog died of complications three months later.

'It's unbelievable.' Hakam Singh Bhullar, de-listed veterinarian

The report from the inquiry said Bhullar "failed to exercise a reasonable degree of care, skill and knowledge" in Wendy's treatment.

The inquiry also found Bhullar provided poor treatment for at least three other animals.

Ethical violations included Bhullar paying clients to drop complaints, misrepresenting his identity to clients and "deliberately" misleading the association and giving "untruthful testimony," which the association said demonstrated his "extreme degree of moral turpitude."

Vet plans appeal

Bhullar rejected the findings.

"It's unbelievable for me," he said after the findings were announced. "As a Canadian, I don't expect in the 21st century these bogus charges. It's a human crime.

"They already made the decision two months ago they're going to take my licence.Even without looking at my case."

One client who spoke to CBC News outside Bhullar's Fraser Street clinic was surprised to hear he'd been de-listed.

"I've just always gotten the best care," Christine Valk said. "I really have."

Other veterinarians working at the clinic will keep the clinic operating,Bhullar said.

Hesaid he intended to appeal the decision and regain his right to practise as a veterinarian.