RCVS warns against employing bogus vet with animal cruelty convictions

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is warning the veterinary profession not to employ Jayson Paul Wells (see accompanying photo for visual identification purposes), who has fraudulently practised as a veterinary surgeon in the UK and who has pleaded guilty to a number of animal cruelty charges.

“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,” says RCVS Chief Investigator Michael Hepper.

“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.”

In 2014, Wells received 19 months in prison and a seven-year ban from owning, adopting, treating or being in contact with animals. He was released in March 2015 and it appears that he is now active in the Republic of Ireland, running an animal rescue sanctuary.

“Although it seems Wells is currently operating in the Republic of Ireland, we would urge veterinary practices to be vigilant when interviewing for new veterinary positions. For example, it is recommended that potential employers contact the RCVS Registration Department to make checks, always interview a potential employee face-to-face, ask to see supporting identity documents, prepare questions which confirm where and when they studied, and obtain references. 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. Members of the public can also check on the status of veterinary professionals using our Find a Vet search tool.”

Cases of individuals such as Jayson Paul Wells practising as a veterinary surgeons are extremely rare, with around 25,000 veterinary surgeons registered to practise in the UK who are fully-trained professionals dedicated to upholding and improving the health and welfare of animals under their care. The RCVS does not believe that the unprecedented actions of one fraudulent individual should, in any way, undermine the confidence and trust that animal owners place in their veterinary team.