Unlicensed Vet Busted by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Thursday, 19 December 2002

Bronx man held on bond, faces felony charge.

Agents of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA) Humane Law Enforcement department arrested a Bronx man for allegedly posing as a veterinarian.

41-year-old Roy Ford was arrested in his the Bronx residence where it is believed he practiced veterinary medicine illegally. The courts have charged him with unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine, a felony, and several misdemeanors.

A search warrant was executed and the suspect was arrested in his residence in the Bronx at 1765 Lafayette Avenue on Tuesday, December 17, 2002. The HLE agents seized numerous vials of veterinary drugs, hypodermic syringes, and inoculation and vaccination records. Also seized were flyers advertising the suspect's "animal care services."

Ford was arraigned in Bronx Supreme Court where he was held on bond.

The arrest was the result of a joint investigation by the ASPCA HLE department and the Bronx District Attorney's Office over a period of several months. It is believed the suspect had illegally treated scores of animals for a fee. It was unclear, at the time of filing, the scope of his patient base or whether any animals were harmed during his practice.

The ASPCA HLE department is urging anyone who brought a pet to this location for medical treatment to please call (212) 876-7700 ext. 4450 to report.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org