David Smith - Fraudulent Vet in Kent - Vetting

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I have just seen these articles about David Smith and wanted to share my experience as this has made me feel sick to the bottom of my stomach.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news...ohnson-vet-david-smith-prison-sentence-568619

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidsto...gerous-horses-told-to-hand-over-cash-158940/#

David Smith vetted my horse 6 years ago, whilst working at Lakeview, Deal in Kent. I was told the horse had passed the 5* vetting with flying colours and I could use him for all ridden activities. Totally sound and a great temperament. However within a week of getting him to his new home he went lame along with rearing and jumping over his stable door amongst other things. This horse has until recently been terrified of vets and needles, i guess David Smith could explain that too?! David Smith and the seller proceeded to ignore me and dismiss me when ever i pushed them for answers. 6 years on i have a lame horse who has now been diagnosed with severe Navicular disease and can barely be ridden! I dread to think how much money and time this poor excuse of a man has cost me and others! My faith in vets and the surgeries they work in has now been totally ruined.

Buying a new horse should be an exciting time, not a stressful one. :( I did everything i should have when buying a new horse, visited and rode more than once, asked the necessary questions and had a 5* vetting. My dream horse turned out to be my worst nightmare!

I would be interested to hear other peoples experiences and how they dealt with the situation.
 
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I have always had my horse vetted too although the last vetting was done by a vet that got struck off for signing of health papers before results were back. He'd been in trouble before all this with something similar. All this happened after I'd had my horse vetted, and luckily him vetting my horse had no impact on me, the horse was fine until many years later.

I can't imagine how you must feel, it must be awful. Especially like you say you took sensible precautions and had the horse vetted. Out of interest did you ask if you could have bloods taken at the time and if so what did they say to prevent you doing so? Interesting this vet had also been struck off for illegal tail docking previously although he was later reinstated.
 
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I have always had my horse vetted too although the last vetting was done by a vet that got struck off for signing of health papers before results were back. He'd been in trouble before all this with something similar. All this happened after I'd had my horse vetted, and luckily him vetting my horse had no impact on me, the horse was fine until many years later.

I can't imagine how you must feel, it must be awful. Especially like you say you took sensible precautions and had the horse vetted. Out of interest did you ask if you could have bloods taken at the time and if so what did they say to prevent you doing so? Interesting this vet had also been struck off for illegal tail docking previously although he was later reinstated.

Thanks for your story, interesting to hear and glad all worked out for you.

Blood had been taken but never tested for various reasons. Hind sight is a wonderful thing!
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/foru...ulent-Vet-in-Kent-Vetting#rZJeTtGl6quz8C1S.99
 
I know someone who bought a dangerous horse from this despicable trio before they were sentenced. Words fail me, really. Sorry OP to hear your awful experiences.
 
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