Secunda-based vet, Doctor Darko Zupanc, has been fined R120 000 after having been found guilty of breaking various industry rules. Half of his fine is suspended for a period of three years on condition that he is not found guilty of a similar transgression, within the period of suspension.

This information was published in the Government Gazette on December 6.

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) imposed the costs order after Zupanc was found guilty on five of the numerous charges animal activist and founder of The Paw Company (an animal welfare organisation), Ancois van Zyl, levelled 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 filed the complaint. It included accusations of unprofessional conduct on Zupanc’s part. Among others, allegations against him included allowing unqualified or unregistered personnel to perform professional work such as diagnosing and administering drugs, doing dental procedures and diagnosing ill animals. This was depicted on Facebook posts and videos which have since been taken down. Some of these videos and photos used in evidence against Zupanc, featured his wife, Yvette (then fiancé).

Zupanc was found guilty of allowing persons who were not duly qualified and registered as veterinary professionals, to perform the work of a veterinarian.

During May 2023, an inspection report indicated that there were no locks fitted on the medicine cupboard where schedule 2 to 4 medicines were stored at the practice. During the same inspection, it was found that the keys to the pharmacy room, where scheduled medicines, including schedule 6 medicines are stored, were kept in the cash drawer at reception, where it was accessible to lay persons or unauthorised employees.

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

Ridge Times formally applied to the SAVC’s inquiry body to attend the final hearing on November 21, but this was denied following Zupanc’s opposition thereof. In it, he stated that the charges against him stem from an incident two to four years ago and that his practice has since entirely changed.

He stated that there is now a team of four veterinarians and two veterinary nurses and he felt 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 cited “fear for the safety of himself and his family” as another reason for opposing media presence, claiming that he had been harassed, his dogs had been poisoned and his disabled cat was stolen. Devastating emotional and financial toll was also alleged.

Since the publication of the verdict in the Government Gazette, it has been shared 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.