St. Catharines vet charged with animal cruelty

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After a lengthy investigation, the Ontario SPCA and the Lincoln County Humane Society has charged Dr. Mahavir Rekhi with 16 counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada.

The disturbing 2013 video showing Dr. Rekhi dragging and hitting animals at his Skyway Animal hospital led to the College of Veterinarians of Ontario suspending Rekhi’s licence for six months and for him to undergo re-education. This February he was reinstated and returned to his clinic, continuing to treat animals.

Today, he was dealt a much more serious consequence, sixteen counts of animal cruelty. The SPCA and Lincoln County Human Society started their investigation last September, a month after Rekhi was suspended. Rekhi will make his first court appearance on July 14th.

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario say Rekhi’s licence has not been suspended again after they learned about the criminal charges. As part of their initial punishment he will continue to undergo random inspections three times a year for the next two years. Rekhi will still be allowed to treat animals while the trial proceeds.