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Facing prison, farmer who posed as vet and left animals in agony
Bernard Wentink, a Lanarkshire stud farmer who carried out horse procedures while posing as a vet, has admitted animal welfare offences and is facing possible imprisonment. The case matters because investigators found widespread neglect across his properties, and several animals had to be put down despite receiving veterinary care.
The 54-year-old admitted seven breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act and one breach of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. In October 2023, Scottish SPCA officers seized 13 dogs and numerous horses from properties in Coalburn, Lesmahagow and Cumbernauld; they found animals in unsanitary conditions, including horses in dark stables standing in wet faeces. Three dogs and a black mare were put down, and the sheriff deferred sentencing until 1 December, saying imprisonment was foremost in his mind.
In short
- A Lanarkshire farmer admitted eight animal welfare and veterinary law offences.
- Investigators seized 13 dogs and numerous horses from his properties.
- Sentencing is due on 1 December, with prison under consideration.
Explained simply
Animal welfare law requires people responsible for animals to provide proper care and prevent avoidable suffering. In the UK, veterinary surgery is generally restricted to qualified vets, so carrying out procedures while claiming to be a vet can also breach a separate law.
Bernard Wentink was a stud farmer in Lanarkshire, where horses are bred and kept for breeding. The Scottish SPCA investigates animal welfare concerns and can remove animals when their condition or care raises serious concerns.
The case involves both the animals’ living conditions and procedures carried out by someone who was not a vet. It matters because animal welfare and veterinary laws set standards for care and treatment, and courts can impose penalties when those laws are breached.