Sunday, July 7, 2024 10:52 AM
Kenneth D. Wade Jr. Arrested for Impersonating Veterinarian
- Kenneth D. Wade Jr. charged with grand theft and practicing veterinary medicine without a license
- Wade refused to return deceased dog to owner after impersonating a veterinarian
- Importance of verifying credentials for pet care highlighted by this case
Image Credits: tribune_pkKenneth D. Wade Jr., a Florida man, arrested for grand theft and practicing veterinary medicine without a license after impersonating a veterinarian and refusing to return a deceased dog to its owner. This case underscores the importance of verifying credentials for pet care.
In a shocking turn of events, a man from Florida, Kenneth D. Wade Jr., 33, has been arrested and charged with grand theft and practicing veterinary medicine without a license. The charges stem from an incident where Wade impersonated a veterinarian and refused to return a dog named Gucci to its owner after the pet passed away while under his care in Leon County.
The troubling situation unfolded when a woman sought help from Wade, known online as 'PitGod Wade,' after her pit bull, Gucci, was diagnosed with a stomach obstruction. Unable to afford the necessary surgery at Quincy Animal Hospital, she turned to Wade for assistance based on his social media posts about working with animals. Wade agreed to treat Gucci for $350, receiving an upfront payment of $175.
After leaving Gucci with Wade on August 17, 2023, the woman expected updates on the dog's condition. However, communication from Wade became scarce, and he eventually informed her that Gucci had passed away. When she requested the return of her pet, Wade sent a video of the deceased dog but refused to return the body, claiming he had buried it. Further investigation revealed that Wade had falsely claimed to work at Oakwood Animal Hospital and had actually taken the dog to a friend's house for treatment before burying it on his family's property in Gadsden County.
Wade's deceptive actions extended to online platforms, where he boasted about his veterinary skills and even claimed to sell homemade parvo medicine to clinics across multiple states. Following his arrest, Wade was released under strict conditions, including staying away from the victim, refraining from offering veterinary services online, and being prohibited from owning animals.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying credentials and seeking licensed professionals for pet care. The well-being of our beloved animals should always be entrusted to qualified individuals to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring.
