Mahmoud Ahmed Kalil			Unlicensed pet doctor is arrested in Modesto	Modesto, CA	July 06, 2006
George C. Ferguson		Licensed Veterinarian of Record, under investigation	Modesto, CA	July 06, 2006

(Photo courtesy of The Modesto Bee) Mahmoud Ahmed Kalil, owner of the Pelandale Veterinary Hospital was arrested Wednesday, July 12^th by officials from the District Attorney’s office with assistance from the investigators from the Veterinary Board on charges of animal cruelty, theft and practicing veterinary medicine without a license. He was booked at the Stanislaus County Jail ad released within a few hours on $10,000 bail.  On Thursday morning his business was open.  State authorities continue their investigation of another veterinarian who worked at Kalil’s clinic.

Last year, Kim Hakolaof Modesto filed a complaint against Kalil over the treatment of her dog. Her dog was taken to the Pelandale Clinic on July 18, 2005 for an abnormal growth on his eye. When she got her dog, its eye was bruised, burned and raw. The dog was taken to another veterinarian and was successfully treated.  Gina Bayles, Enforcement Program Manager for the California Veterinary Medical Board sated that incident is what warranted the cruelty charge.  Theft charges transpired from charging patients for procedure that were never done.

John Goold, Chief Deputy District Attorney for Stanislaus County said that under the California Penal Code, a conviction for animal cruelty can result in a fine of $20,000 and three years in prison. The theft charge is a misdemeanor and could result in six months in jail. Goold was not sure of the maximum penalty for practicing veterinary medicine without a license. Without a veterinary license, a person is not allowed to examine, diagnose, treat or prescribe medications to an animal.

The investigation by State officials of Kalil’s clinic last year, but took a year to complete because ten more people filed complaints against Kalil.  On July 6^th, the District Attorney’s office filed its case against Kalil.

Juliet Peter, of Salida, filed a complaint against Kalil after her cat died while being treated at the clinic. Her case led to the most recent investigation.

In 1987, investigators looked into 11 complaints of negligence and incompetence, six of fraud and deception, 19 of unprofessional conduct, six of not meeting the minimum standards of a veterinarian and nine of failing to pass inspections.   in 1988, he as put on probation and his veterinary license revoked after he was convicted in Solano County Superior Court of 6 counts of both animal cruelty and theft.  The conviction was dismissed in 1991 after he succesfully completed probation.  His petition to be reinstated to practice veterinary medicine was denied in 1991 and again in 2003.

Kalil was also was arrested and charged by the Solano County District Attorney's office with six counts of animal cruelty and six counts of theft. He was convicted of the criminal counts, and was put on probation.   In 1988, the state revoked his veterinary license.  As the current investigation continues,

State investigators also are looking into the actions of George C. Ferguson a veterinarian at the Pelandale Veterinary Hospital. Under California regulations, every veterinary hospital must have a licensed veterinarian on record and Ferguson served that role at the Pelandale clinic. Ferguson is a faculty member at the University of the Pacific, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, said Phil Oppenheimer Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Science. Ferguson teaches veterinarian pharmacology, lectures on diseases that can be transmitted between humans and animals and serves on the university's animal safety committee, Oppenheimer said. University officials declined to discuss the investigation.

Investigators are looking into Dr. Ferguson's role in the aiding and abetting of Kalil since Dr. Ferguson is the veterinarian licensee of record. Dr. Ferguson stated that he quit the Pelandale Veterinary practice in June, 2006. He could be facing a citation or fine and/or formal discipline.

Reference:

The Modesto Bee

California Dept of Consumer Affairs

Veterinary Medical Board