Struck off vet awaits outcome of RCVS appeal

A vet struck off for backdating vaccination entries on three racehorses’ passports is awaiting the result of his appeal to the Privy Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Equine vet Dr Alan Walker was found guilty in January of “disgraceful professional misconduct” by the disciplinary committee of the RCVS (news, 8 February).

Chairman of the Racecourse Veterinary Association, Dr Walker hit back at his dismissal from the RCVS register, claiming he had been harshly treated.

It was the first disciplinary charge in his 26-year career, and more than 300 vets signed a petition demanding he be tried before a new disciplinary committee.

The RCVS Privy Council heard Dr Walker’s appeal on 30 October, and a decision is expected within two weeks. He is permitted to practise until that decision is announced.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (15 November, ’07)

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