Secunda-based vet Dr Darko Zupanc has been fined R120 000 after being found guilty of breaking various industry rules. Half of his fine is suspended for three years on condition that he is not found guilty of a similar transgression during this period.

This information was published in the Government Gazette on December 6, according to Ridge Times.

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) imposed the costs order after Zupanc was found guilty on five of the charges animal activist and founder of The Paw Company (an animal welfare organisation), Ancois van Zyl, filed against him in a comprehensive complaint to the SAVC last year.

The disciplinary hearing was held in Pretoria on November 21, almost 20 months after Van Zyl lodged the complaint. It included accusations of unprofessional conduct by Zupanc. Allegations against him included allowing unqualified or unregistered personnel to perform professional work such as diagnosing and administering drugs, conducting dental procedures, and diagnosing ill animals. This was depicted in Facebook posts and videos that have since been removed. Some of these videos and photos used as evidence featured his wife, Yvette (then fiancée).

Zupanc was found guilty of allowing persons not duly qualified and registered as veterinary professionals to perform veterinary work.

In May 2023, an inspection report revealed that the medicine cupboard where schedule 2 to 4 medicines were stored was not locked. Additionally, the keys to the pharmacy room, which housed scheduled medicines including schedule 6 medicines, were kept in the cash drawer at reception, accessible to laypersons or unauthorised employees.

Allegations against Zupanc appeared in the national media in February, after which he applied to the Middelburg High Court for an interdict against Van Zyl, The Paw Company, Wrigley, and others. Van Zyl and The Paw Company are opposing the application. Van Zyl and Wrigley were subpoenaed to testify at the SAVC’s disciplinary hearing but were later informed they did not need to attend as Zupanc had pleaded guilty.

Ridge Times applied to the SAVC’s inquiry body to attend the final hearing on November 21. This was denied following Zupanc’s opposition. He stated that the charges stemmed from incidents two to four years ago and that his practice has since completely changed.

Zupanc stated that he now has a team of four veterinarians and two veterinary nurses and expressed concern that publicity around this case would ‘cast a shadow over his current team’.

“Any public attention would unjustly implicate them and harm their reputations,” his opposition to media presence read.

Zupanc also cited ‘fear for the safety of himself and his family’ as a reason for opposing media presence, claiming harassment, the poisoning of his dogs, and the theft of his disabled cat. He also cited devastating emotional and financial tolls.

Since the publication of the verdict in the Government Gazette, it has been circulated on WhatsApp groups by concerned residents.

Van Zyl is disappointed in the fine imposed on Zupanc.

“Although I am glad the SAVC has finally stepped up to hold Dr Zupanc to account, I do not believe a mere R60 000 payable to the council is an adequate punishment. It is but a slap on the wrist and benefits only the SAVC,” said Van Zyl.