Jayson Paul Wells is now active in the Republic of Ireland where he runs an animal rescue charity.

Jayson Paul Wells has been known to use different surnames

The profession is being urged not to employ a fraudulent vet who has pleaded guilty to several animal cruelty charges.

In 2014, Jayson Paul Wells (pictured) received 19 months in prison and seven-year ban from owning, adopting, treating or being in contact with animals. He was released in March 2015 but is now active in the Republic of Ireland where he runs an animal rescue charity.

RCVS chief investigator Michael Hepper said: “In 2013, we assisted Humberside Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigate Wells, resulting in his conviction for animal welfare charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between 1 October 2012 and 31 January 2013 and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between 1 December 2012 and 1 January 2013.
 
“Wells was also convicted for offences contrary to the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) and fraud, and has been known to use different surnames, including Kesby, Ceswell, Simpson and Cheswell.”

While it seems Wells is operating in the Republic of Ireland, the RCVS is calling on veterinary practices to remain vigilant when interviewing for new veterinary positions. This would include contacting the RCVS Registration Department to make checks, interviewing potential employees face-to-face and asking to see supporting identity documents.

“If they are employed, it is wise to mentor the new member of staff to oversee their performance”, says RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson. “For members of the public we recommend that, if they have concerns about the legitimacy of either a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse, they talk to someone else in the practice about their concerns or contact us so that we can make further enquiries.”

This is not the first time the profession has been warned about a bogus 'vet' operating in the UK. In 2017, the RCVS issued a warning to the profession not to employ Peter Keniry, who was convicted for repeatedly and fraudulently practising as a veterinary surgeon.

The RCVS said that, given Mr Keniry’s history of repeat offending, practices should be aware of his identity and pay due diligence when hiring new veterinary surgeons.

Image (C) RCVS.