TRAGIC GALSTON VET JOHN HENDRIE SMITH KILLED OVER 200 DOGS WITH OUTDATED EUTHANASIA TECHNIQUE

John Hendrie Smith, a veterinarian from Galston in East Ayrshire, became infamous for his involvement in the euthanasia of over 200 dogs using a controversial and outdated method that caused immense suffering. Born on May 20, 1929, Smith had dedicated nearly 65 years of his life to veterinary practice before his career was abruptly ended by disciplinary action.

His misconduct came to light after a dog owner lodged a formal complaint with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), prompting an investigation into his procedures at the Valley Veterinary Centre located in Galston. The investigation revealed that Smith routinely administered lethal injections directly into the hearts of dogs, a technique that was widely regarded as causing significant pain and distress.

One particularly distressing case involved a terminally ill German Shepherd named Bounce. The dog was subjected to Smith’s controversial euthanasia method, which resulted in prolonged suffering. Witnesses reported that Bounce howled in agony for several minutes after the injection before succumbing. Darren Stevenson, Bounce’s owner, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the dog had “screamed in agony” for what felt like an eternity.

Further details from the disciplinary hearing indicated that Smith, who qualified as a veterinarian in 1953, had been using this painful technique for years. The investigation uncovered that he had performed this method on more than 200 dogs, many of whom experienced similar distress. The RCVS found that Smith’s actions not only breached clinical standards but also demonstrated a failure in communication and compassion.

During the incident involving Bounce, Smith arrived at the owner’s home without a muzzle for the dog. Instead, he attempted to restrain Bounce by wrapping a belt around the animal’s mouth. To administer the injection, Smith had to borrow pliers from Darren Stevenson to prepare a syringe. The needle was then inserted through the lung wall—a procedure that is known to cause intense pain due to the dense nerve endings in that area.

Rachael McRoberts, who was present at the time, described the scene as horrifying. She told The Times, “It was horrible. The dog was wailing for what seemed like ages. I’ve never heard a dog make a noise like that.”

Following the investigation, the RCVS disciplinary committee found Smith guilty of multiple charges related to clinical misconduct and communication failures. As a result, he was struck off the veterinary register, effectively ending his professional career.

Questions have been raised about how the RCVS regulates aging practitioners like Smith, especially considering that he qualified decades ago. Although recent rules require vets to undertake at least 35 hours of professional development annually—ranging from formal courses to self-reflection—the system’s effectiveness in preventing such misconduct has come under scrutiny. The RCVS states that it is the responsibility of individual vets to determine their learning needs, and records are not necessarily subject to regular inspection.

It is important to note that John Hendrie Smith is now deceased, and his actions have left a lasting stain on his reputation and the veterinary profession in Galston and beyond.