A vet who kicked and stamped on a dog after it bit him has been suspended from the register for four months by an RCVS disciplinary committee (DC).
Jatinder Dhami admitted twice kicking seven-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross Sasha across the floor and further admitted that his conduct was disgraceful in a professional respect.
Allegation proved
A DC found a disputed allegation that he also stamped on the animal “proved” after hearing from fellow veterinary personnel who witnessed the attack.
Dr Dhami – a joint venture partner at Vets4Pets Market Harborough, based at Pets at Home in Springfield Retail Park, Leicestershire – was attempting to wash Sasha’s ears in a consult room when the dog bit him on the finger, drawing blood.
‘Error of judgement’
The dog – which was described as “nervous” in her notes – was not muzzled, despite her owners warning that she should be as she had tried to bite another vet who was attempting to examine her head and ears.
Dr Dhami – who, the DC heard, was under pressure, was working long hours and had “family problems” – categorised what occurred as “an error of judgment”, and admitted that he was angry, and had an adrenalin rush, which caused him to do what he did.
The incident only lasted a few seconds, he said.
Isolated incident
The DC accepted that the conduct found proved involved an isolated incident. Counsel for Dr Dhami submitted that the fact his client had been bitten and was in pain was a mitigating factor, and the DC agreed.
Two further separate charges against Dr Dhami relating to the welfare of a Jack Russell terrier and a kitten were found not proved.