The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement on Friday that it recently received a report from the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) indicating that a veterinary clinic in Taipa was suspected of possessing drugs of “unknown” origin.
Following a joint inspection by IAM and ISAF officials, “unapproved” drugs were found on the clinic’s premises, according to the joint statement on Friday.
Public broadcaster TDM identified the clinic as TaipaVet.
According to a preliminary analysis, the clinic was found to possess multiple types of drugs and vaccines not approved by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau, the statement said, adding that clinic’s person in charge failed to provide legitimate documentation regarding the origin of the medications, constituting a suspected violation of the Animal Diagnosis and Commercial Activities Act and related regulations on drug safety and pharmaceutical operations.
As evidence showed that the clinic’s activities pose risks to public health and safety, the Municipal Affairs Bureau immediately investigated and ordered the temporary closure of the premises, the statement said, adding that the case has been referred to relevant authorities for further legal action, while the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau seized the drugs concerned for follow-up investigation.
The statement noted that the clinic is required to rectify the situation within a specified period, including clarifying the sources of all drugs and ensuring the use of only legally compliant medications. It may only resume operations after meeting all regulatory standards and passing a follow-up inspection.
The statement urged all animal diagnosis and treatment facilities and registered veterinary practitioners to strictly adhere to legal obligations and relevant technical guidelines to avoid breaching any regulations. Under current laws and regulations, registered veterinarians are permitted to use veterinary drugs and human medications within “appropriate” limits, the statement said.
The statement underscored that the full implementation of veterinarians’ regulations concerning drugs and pharmaceutical activities includes the sale and use of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
In order to safeguard animal welfare and medical rights, pet owners affected by the incident may call 2833 7676.
This undated photo download from TaipaVet’s official Instagram page shows the clinic’s façade on Avenida Olimpica in Taipa’s Flower City neighbourhood.
