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Petition started to revoke Swansea veterinarian’s license over shocking allegations
A Swansea veterinarian is facing troubling allegations leading a charge by some to have his license revoked.
According to a report by NBC10 Boston, in 2024, a former employee, Laura Pettey, filed a formal complaint with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, alleging that Dr. Carlos Silvera Jr. of Swansea Veterinary Center performed surgeries without protective gear (e.g., gloves, mask, or cap), took controlled substances from the clinic for personal use, worked under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, and was verbally abusive to staff. She also claimed that many animals died of sepsis due to improperly performed exploratory surgeries and that clients were misled about their pets’ health. Another former employee, Lisa Cabral, reported an incident where a French bulldog named Lotus died after surgery, allegedly due to Silvera Jr. operating with one hand in a sling, leading to improper suturing and fatal bleeding.
Dr. Silvera Jr. is under investigation by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine following these complaints. Former employees have questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, which has been reopened.
In January of this year, Dr. Silvera Jr. was arrested for allegedly firing a gun in his neighborhood and resisting arrest. He initially pleaded not guilty but, on June 9th, changed his plea to guilty on 29 criminal charges unrelated to his veterinary practice, including stalking an ex-girlfriend, unlawful possession of assault weapons, and unlawful possession of large-capacity magazines. He has been in jail since January for violating bail conditions.
Dr. Carlos Silvera Sr., who also is associated with Swansea Veterinary Center, has denied the allegations of professional misconduct made against his son.