Report someone who is practising veterinary medicine illegally
If you are concerned that someone may be practising without being qualified, eligible or registered with the VCI, please email us at: info@vci.ie or call us on 01 668 4402.
To help us to investigate, the following information is useful
- The name of the person
- Details of what happened
- Where the matter occurred
- Have you reported this elsewhere (such as the Gardaí) and the outcome (if applicable)
- Any evidence you have to support the information.
What can we do if someone is practising illegally
When we receive information suggesting that an individual may be practising veterinary medicine or veterinary nursing without being qualified, eligible or registered with VCI, we will investigate where possible and take appropriate action in line with the Veterinary Practice Act 2005. Depending on the circumstances, we may:
- Advise the individual of the law
- Send a ‘cease and desist’ notice
- Initiate summary court proceedings against the individual for an offence under the Act.
Reporting animal welfare concerns
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine operates an animal welfare helpline where suspected animal welfare concerns can be reported via phone or email. The helpline is manned from 9am to 5.45pm Monday to Friday. All complaints received are registered on their database and referred to the relevant Regional Office for investigation. All referred calls are investigated by their Veterinary Inspectors with follow up visits where required. All call are strictly 100% confidential. The contact details for the helpline are as follows: Lo Call 0761 064408 or 01 607 2379 Email: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.