City Councillors in St. Catharines have agreed to ask The Ontario College of Veterinarians to improve the penalties given to vets who mistreat animals.

The decision follows a controversial penalty given to a St. Catharines vet who was caught on camera hitting and choking animals in his care.

Dr. Mahavir Singh Rekhi was suspended for ten months and that could be reduced if he takes some additional training.

Council unanimously agreed to ask the College to fully co-operate with an ongoing investigation by the Lincoln County Humane Society and to consider ways to improve and strengthen the disciplinary process for veterinarians.