Board allows Bridgeport vet, arrested twice for animal cruelty, to practice again with restrictions

Dr. Amr Wasfi confirmed to News 12 at Black Rock Animal Hospital that he's seeing patients. He directed News 12 to his attorney, who has not responded to a request for comment.

The veterinary practice was closed in December when the state suspended Wasfi's license following his second arrest for animal cruelty. A recent decision from the Connecticut Board of Veterinary Medicine has allowed him to return to work.

The ruling, obtained by News 12, stipulates that Wasfi cannot work alone and must be under the direct, on-site supervision of another Connecticut licensed veterinarian. He's also prohibited from performing surgery and prescribing anesthesia.

Criminal charges first came in 2019 after Wasfi was accused of performing harmful, unnecessary surgery on a dog, almost killing the animal. Police arrested Wasfi again a year and a half later after they say he left a puppy on a heating pad overnight, causing it to overheat and die.

The Connecticut Board of Veterinary Medicine heard allegations about those two cases and four others before deciding to put restrictions on Wasfi's license.

The board ruled, "Respondent's conduct fell below the standard of care for veterinarians in Connecticut, and his conduct presents a significant risk to the health and safety of his patients and the public."

Zilla Cannemela, president of the animal rights group Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates, called the decision “horrendous.”

“I can't believe that they're allowing him to practice at all,” she said.

Wasfi is due back in court next week for both animal cruelty cases.

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