SACRAMENTO – Marc Ching of Los Angeles pled no contest on the charge of practicing veterinary medicine without a license this summer, resulting from an undercover investigation initiated by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB).
The VMB had received complaints from consumers and licensees that Ching, who owned an organic pet food store The PetStaurant, in Sherman Oaks, had engaged in the practice of unlicensed veterinary medicine. An investigation conducted by the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Division of Investigation (DOI), Investigation and Enforcement Unit – Chatsworth Field Office, and the VMB followed.
The probe revealed that Ching had practiced veterinary medicine without a license by diagnosing ailments and prescribing treatments to pets. Moreover, the website of Ching’s pet food store, The PetStaurant, had posted instructions on how to treat undiagnosed pet conditions.
DOI investigators had shared evidence with the office of Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer for criminal prosecution.
As a result of this joint investigation, on August 3, 2021, Ching was criminally convicted of unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine and sentenced to 12 months of probation and a $1,000 fine.
On September 24, 2021, the VMB issued Ching a citation and a $5,000 fine for the unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine and unlicensed activity at an unregistered veterinary premise.
“Unlicensed veterinary practice endangers the lives of animal patients throughout California and will not be tolerated,” said VMB executive officer Jessica Sieferman. “The VMB appreciates the continued partnership with DOI and local officials in investigating and prosecuting these cases.”
The VMB encourages any individuals with evidence of unlicensed practice to file a complaint by completing an online complaint form available at vmb.ca.gov.
The Citation against Ching is available to view here: https://www.vmb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/ching_marc_cit.pdf
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