Alleged Criminal Tactics by a Self-Declared Veterinarian in St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, reports emerged about a man who presented himself as a veterinarian. He allegedly influenced pet owners to euthanize healthy animals and was accused of killing several pets. A Telegram channel called Shot published details of the case, documenting claims circulating online.
According to the publication, a local resident connected with the man on social media. The man reportedly offered to euthanize a German shepherd at home because the dog’s hind legs no longer functioned. The owner paid 13,000 rubles for the service. The man allegedly administered a lethal injection before taking the dog’s body for cremation. A stray dog that had barely survived the procedure was later found on the street, raising questions about the incident.
Efforts by a veterinary clinic helped save the dog that initially appeared to be beyond recovery. The animal later recovered enough to live in a kennel in good health. This turn of events sparked further scrutiny by animal rights advocates who sought to understand the full scope of the situation.
The activists investigated and found that the person claiming to be a vet may have persuaded some owners to consider euthanasia in situations where it was not necessarily warranted. The Russian Ecology Party filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General’s Office regarding the man’s conduct.
Authorities reportedly connected the case to a broader history, with statements suggesting the individual may have been involved in the shooting of dogs in 2009. Law enforcement agencies indicated they would determine whether the man possessed legitimate veterinary training and credentials as part of their investigations.
Earlier reports from the region of Kemerovo described incidents of cruelty toward animals, including children displaying aggressive behavior toward a cat. These accounts underscore ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the need for oversight in pet care services.
Experts emphasize the importance of verifying veterinary qualifications and ensuring that animal care professionals operate under proper legal and ethical standards. Community groups continue to call for clear guidelines, reporting mechanisms, and accountability to protect animals and reassure owners that help offered by professionals is legitimate and humane.