THE High Court yesterday confirmed a decision by the Veterinary Council to erase from its register the name of a Co Meath veterinary surgeon who had been found guilty of keeping animal growth promoters for sale.
Maurice Regan (56), Old Parochial House, Kilcloon, Co Meath, was fined £13,000 and sentenced to six months' imprisonment at Kilcock District Court on December 9th, 1996.
Yesterday the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Costello, made an order pursuant to the Veterinary Surgeons Acts 1931 to 1960 declaring that it was proper for the council to erase Regan's name from the register.
Mr Michael O'Mahony, solicitor for the Veterinary Council who sought the High Court order, said the council decided unanimously after an inquiry on January 7th that Regan had been guilty of conduct disgraceful to him in a professional respect and that his name should be erased from the register.
Regan had appeared before Judge John Brophy on 13 summonses for keeping for sale a variety of animal growth promoters at Drumree, Co Meath, on March 28th, 1992. He pleaded guilty to all the summonses.
He was sentenced to six months imprisonment and a concurrent three month term for possession of 4,860 doses of a prohibited substance called Revalor and 550 doses of a prohibited substance called Implex H.
Both contain anabolic agents which could improve feed conversion and conformation of bovine animals intended for human consumption.
Mr O'Mahony said Regan, who was not represented at the inquiry, was notified of the council's inquiry and decision on January 7th. He had not applied to the High Court for cancellation of the decision within the 14 day period.