Florida Man Pretends to be Veterinarian, Conducts Fatal Surgery on Pregnant Dog, Authorities Report

NAPLES, Fla. — In a shocking incident, a 61-year-old man from Collier County, Florida, has been arrested for posing as a veterinarian and performing a surgery on a pregnant dog, which ultimately resulted in the dog’s death due to complications from the unauthorized procedure. The man, who was identified as a licensed pet groomer but not a licensed veterinarian, faces charges of animal abuse and practicing veterinary medicine without a license, as stated by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in a social media post.

The tragic incident occurred in May when the man was introduced to the owners of a 6-year-old Chihuahua named Sugar, who were led to believe that he was a qualified veterinarian. Concerned about Sugar’s difficulty in delivering her puppies, the owners reached out to the man for help. Acting outside the bounds of his profession, the man performed a cesarean section on Sugar in a converted ambulance at the owners’ home. The surgery resulted in the removal of a stillborn puppy, for which the man charged a hefty $600 fee.

Devastatingly, Sugar’s health took a turn for the worse a week later when she developed an infection. Her owners rushed her to an emergency pet hospital, where the medical staff made a shocking discovery – the incision made during the surgery was closed using string or thread instead of standard suture material, potentially contributing to the development of the infection. Tragically, Sugar passed away mere hours after her arrival at the hospital.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, a doctor at the emergency pet hospital informed detectives that a cesarean section is not an uncommon procedure for pregnant dogs. However, had a qualified veterinarian performed the surgery on Sugar, she likely would have survived. This revelation emphasizes the importance of seeking professional and licensed veterinary care for animals in need.

As of now, the man’s case has not been entered into the electronic docket at the Collier County court clerk’s office, leaving the question of whether he has legal representation unanswered. It is yet to be determined if the man will have an attorney who can provide a comment regarding the charges brought against him.

This distressing incident serves as a reminder of the imperative role that licensed and proficient veterinarians play in ensuring the well-being and safety of our beloved pets. It underscores the vital importance of verifying the credentials and qualifications of individuals claiming to be medical professionals before entrusting them with the care of our furry companions.