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 the veterinarian is found to have 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.  Subject to limited legislated exceptions, the College publishes disciplinary outcomes on its website.

 

The College is aware of the recent 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 33 months less one day. The College is investigating a matter that relates to the criminal conduct described in the decision. The investigation is proceeding in accordance with the Veterinarians Act and the College’s Bylaws. The College is prohibited by law from disclosing any further information about the investigation at this time.