Nelson vet steps down after clash with Vet College
By Nelson Daily Staff
A Nelson veterinarian and owner of the Nelson Animal Hospital will no longer be able to help pets and pet owners after the end of this month.
Andrew Jones is resigning from the College of Veterinarians, losing his right to practice veterinary medicine and surgery.
This decision comes after a lengthy battle with his College over his Alternative Pet Health Internet newsletter and business.
Jones began publishing the newsletter and digital book in September, 2003, covering all aspects of natural dog and cat healthcare.
He has been openly critical of conventional veterinary practices, advocating pet owners to be more involved with their pet’s care.
Along with his book Veterinary Secrets Revealed — a compilation of at home remedies for common dog and cat health problems — Jones has criticized the Veterinary College in his free daily newsletter, Veterinary Secrets.
The College of Veterinarians Inquiry committee first began investigations of Jones Dec. 1, 2005. The panel released their report on April 20, 2010.
Jones was found guilty of violating numerous sections of the Code of Ethics and bylaws with respect to marketing of his natural dog and cat health Internet business.
The Inquiry committee claimed:
“Dr. Jones‘ marketing material is a serious example of his unprofessional behavior in that his marketing material has an all pervading persistent theme of denigrating other members of his profession in order to draw attention to himself. In his self laudatory statements, Dr. Jones’ constant harangue serves to throw the veterinary profession into disrepute.”
The College of Veterinarians Council met on Sept. 20, 2010 to determine the penalties, fining him $10,000 payable immediately (a portion of the inquiry costs), and $20,000 payable Feb 1, 2011.
Jones has since resigned from the College of Veterinarians, losing his ability to practice in his veterinary clinic, The Nelson Animal Hospital, as he no longer is willing to be under the scrutiny of his college.
“I am tired of fighting, and I no longer want to face further disciplinary action. My Veterinary College may proceed with actions against me again as I am continuing to publish alternative pet health information, and market my Internet business in ways that is not to their liking,” he said in a statement.
The majority of Jones’ online subscribers are in the US with less than two per cent located in BC.
Jones had been in practice in Nelson for over 12 years, during which he has had no client disciplinary complaints.
