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Bogus ‘vet’ targeting veterinary practices
Peter Keniry has been known to possess documents in the names of registered members of the profession.

Peter Keniry has convictions dating back to 1986

Veterinary practices are being urged not to employ a bogus ‘vet’ who steals the identity of legitimate members of the RCVS in order to practise fraudulently.

Peter Keniry has convictions dating back to 1986 in his native South Africa for fraud and impersonating a veterinary surgeon.

He has been known to possess documents in the names of registered members of the profession in order to support his fraudulent applications for employment.

In the past, he has been able to gain employment in large and small animal practice and greyhound racing. He is known to have ties in Norfolk, Swindon, Somerset and possibly Cornwall.

Michael Hepper, chief investigator at the RCVS, has worked with several police forces in order to bring Mr Keniry to justice.

He commented: “Peter Keniry’s modus operandi is to steal the identity of properly registered members to obtain work as a veterinary surgeon. As he impersonates members of the College whose names are legitimately on the Register, this can make it extremely difficult, even for practices that do check prospective employees’ credentials, to identify him.
 
“He is well known to the College and to the police having been convicted in 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2011 and has served custodial sentences for practising as a veterinary surgeon and fraud.
 
Mr Hepper continued: “Peter Keniry is a repeat offender and we suspect that he will continue to re-offend. We hope that by publishing his photograph it will help practices recognise him and contact the RCVS Professional Conduct Department should he apply for employment as a veterinary surgeon.”

The RCVS Professional Conduct Department can be contacted on profcon@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0789.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.