Court orders dog boarding facility to cease unauthorized practice
March 26, 2024
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ordered a dog boarding facility and unlicensed individuals in Woodstock to refrain from practising veterinary medicine.
The College initiated proceedings against Tracy Dawn Hiuser and the business Woof! Pet Wellness Resort, John Huigenbos, and Lillian Campbell (respondents) as there was evidence suggesting that they were practising veterinary medicine and advertising they were engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine.
On February 26, 2024, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ordered the respondents to refrain from engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine. The Judgment also awarded the College $30,000.
The Judgment states:
THIS COURT ORDERS the Respondents to comply with section 11 of the Veterinarians Act, RSO 1990, c V. 3 (the Act) and, in particular, to refrain from:
- Engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine, and
- Holding themselves out as engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine;
“The Veterinarians Act is clear that no one other than a licensed veterinarian can practise veterinary medicine in Ontario. In licensing qualified individuals, the College assures the public of the trustworthiness of the veterinary profession and reduces the potential for harm to animals and to people,”
College Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Jan Robinson
The College’s Position Statement on Unauthorized Practice states restricting the practice of veterinary medicine to licensed veterinarians protects the public interest and recognizes the highly skilled and technical nature of the delivery of veterinary medicine. This restriction assures that safe, quality veterinary medicine is provided to animals.
In serving the public interest, the College seeks to understand the risks involved in the practice of veterinary medicine and collaborates with partners to develop solutions which reduce the potential for harm to animals and people. The College licenses approximately 5,500 veterinarians and accredits over 2,400 facilities in Ontario.