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Regulator Censures Convicted Veterinarian
A Judicial Committee of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand has handed down a penalty of censure and 45 per cent contribution to the disciplinary process costs to Dr Leo Molloy, a retired veterinarian on the Council’s register.
The censure and $23,000 contribution follows Dr Molloy’s conviction in the Auckland District Court in April 2021 for knowingly publishing a name in breach of a suppression order, and being sentenced to 350 hours’ community service and fined $15,000. He appealed against this decision to the High Court but this was dismissed.
When Dr Molloy breached the suppression order he was a practising veterinarian. His conviction was referred to a Veterinary Council Complaints Assessment Committee (“CAC”) by the Council’s Registrar. The CAC then laid a disciplinary charge with the Judicial Committee.
The Council’s Registrar Iain McLachlan said, “The conviction had been taken very seriously as it has the potential to undermine the public’s trust and confidence in the veterinary profession.”
The grounds for discipline by the Judicial Committee was that Dr Molloy had been convicted of an offence, punishable by imprisonment for a term of three months or more, and that the offence reflects adversely on their fitness to practise as veterinarian. Dr Molloy opted for retired status on the Council register in 2023.
A full written decision will be produced by the Judicial Committee and published by the Vet Council.
About the Vet Council
The Vet Council is the regulator for veterinarians. It upholds veterinary standards to protect people and animals, and to maintain trust in veterinary professionals. Part of the Council’s role is dealing with concerns about the conduct of veterinarians including rare cases of criminal convictions that might impact on trust and confidence in the veterinary profession. Concerns are considered and investigated by a Complaints Assessment Committee, which makes an independent decision on whether to lay charges before the Council’s Judicial Committee, which acts as a disciplinary tribunal.
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