Fake veterinary officer busted in Begoro after animal deaths

A man posing as a veterinary officer has been apprehended in Begoro, located in the Fanteakwa North District, following allegations of causing the deaths of numerous animals due to improper treatment.

The individual, known as Amos, is said to have solicited payments from farmers while providing unauthorised veterinary services that led to multiple animal fatalities.

His fraudulent activities were uncovered when a local resident reported the death of a dog after receiving an injection from him.

Authorities seized various medications, syringes, and medical equipment believed to have been utilised in his operations.

Amos has been transferred to the Eastern Regional CID and is anticipated to appear in court on Monday.

Dr. Kofi Nti Agyarko, a senior veterinary officer at the Eastern Regional Veterinary Department, confirmed the arrest and expressed alarm over the increasing number of impostors within the profession.

He stressed that impersonating a veterinary professional is a violation of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and cautioned that such actions have legal repercussions.

“This is not an isolated case,” Dr. Agyarko remarked, recalling a recent case in which over 100 pigs perished after being treated by a fraudulent veterinarian.

He urged farmers to verify the qualifications of anyone claiming to be a veterinary officer and suggested consulting district veterinary or MOFA offices for trustworthy services.

Additionally, he called on the Veterinary Services Directorate to provide official identification cards to certified officers, facilitating the identification of qualified veterinarians as opposed to impostors.

Dr. Agyarko further warned that the increasing occurrence of fake veterinary officers represents a significant threat to livestock and the livelihoods of farmers.