The Miami-Dade police arrested a man on Monday for practicing veterinary medicine without a license after a tragic surgery led to the death of six newborn puppies.
Richard Andino, 39, was illegally operating as a veterinarian from his home in South Miami Heights. His arrest came months after the puppies of a dog, on whom he performed a cesarean section at his house during the Christmas of 2023, died, according to America TeVé.
According to the police investigation, the accused contacted the owners of Channel, a mixed-breed dog, through text messages and presented himself as a licensed veterinarian.
Tragic Incident on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, the couple brought their pet, who was in labor, to Andino's house and left her there, despite their suspicion about the location being a home rather than a clinic. But the fake veterinarian promised to take Channel to a clinic for the surgery.
"Since their dog was in labor, they decided to trust Andino because he was dressed in a nurse's uniform," the police report states. The dog’s owners paid $1,500 upfront.
The day after the surgery, Andino texted Channel's owners to inform them that only three of the six expected puppies had survived. Suspecting something was wrong, the couple returned to the accused's residence to retrieve their dog and the surviving puppies.
Upon confronting him and asking about his clinic's location, Andino responded that he frequently performed such surgeries at home due to the holiday. According to the police report, Andino claimed he had a room in his house set up for this type of procedure.
Back at home, Channel's owners realized the puppies were not breathing and had to perform CPR on one of them. "During this time, yellow and orange discharge came out of the puppy’s nose and mouth," the report describes. "All the puppies died later."
On Tuesday, a day after his arrest, Andino appeared in court and was charged with practicing veterinary medicine without a license. "Six puppies died because he performed a cesarean section [on the dog] and claimed to be a licensed veterinarian, which he is not," said the judge, who set his bail at $2,500 and prohibited him from contacting the affected parties.
The Miami-Dade Animal Services Department advises county residents to verify in advance that veterinarians and companies offering such services hold the appropriate licenses to avoid similar situations, America TeVé reported.
Understanding the Risks of Unlicensed Veterinary Services
The unfortunate event has raised several questions and concerns regarding unlicensed veterinary services. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the risks involved.
How can I verify if a veterinarian is licensed?
You can check with your local veterinary licensing board or the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department to verify a veterinarian's credentials.
What should I do if I suspect my veterinarian is not licensed?
If you suspect a veterinarian is not licensed, report them to the local authorities or the veterinary licensing board immediately.
What are the risks of using an unlicensed veterinarian?
Using an unlicensed veterinarian can result in improper treatment, misdiagnosis, and in severe cases, the death of your pet. Always ensure your veterinarian is licensed and qualified.