The College of Veterinarians of British Columbia is mandated to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine in British Columbia in the public interest. The College regulates the veterinary profession in accordance with the Veterinarians Act and the College’s Bylaws.

The College takes concerns related to the practice of veterinary medicine seriously. The College may investigate a complaint or initiate an investigation on its own initiative into a matter that gives rise to concern about a veterinarian’s practice of veterinary medicine. More information about the College’s complaints and investigations process can be found here: https://www.cvbc.ca/public-protection/complaints-process/.

Following an investigation, the College may take disciplinary action if there are sufficient grounds to believe that a veterinarian has failed to comply with the Veterinarians Act or the College’s Bylaws or Professional Practice Standards, or to have committed professional misconduct or conduct unbecoming a veterinarian. 

The College is aware of a decision of the British Columbia Court of Appeal regarding the criminal conviction and sentencing of Dr. Justin Sewell, a veterinarian registered with the College. Dr. Sewell is currently serving a sentence of incarceration of 33 months less one day. The College has completed an investigation into this matter under the Veterinarians Act, and the College’s Investigation Committee has directed the Registrar to issue a citation to Dr. Sewell. The issuance of a citation initiates the discipline hearing process under the Veterinarians Act. Updates regarding the discipline hearing of this matter will be posted on the College’s website. Subject to limited circumstances, the College publishes Discipline Committee decisions on its website.

The College is prohibited by law from disclosing any further information about this matter at this time.