California veterinarian's license revoked for negligence, improper record keeping and unprofessional conduct

A veterinarian in Upland, Calif., had his license revoked earlier this year for negligence, improper record keeping, fraud and deception, false drug labeling and use of expired medication. Byoung Hah at Angels Care Animal Hospital was found to be negligent in the care of two patients in 2007 and failed to pass unannounced inspections of the practice in 2008.

The first case of negligence involved a canine patient that was brought to Hah to be surgically spayed. The dog’s sutures were removed approximately a week after the surgery, and shortly thereafter, the owner found the dog with her abdominal incision open and her intestines protruding through, according to the complaint prepared by the California Veterinary Medical Board. Hah was cited for negligence and failure to keep proper records in the case.

The second case involved a feline patient that the owner decided to euthanize. Hah did not euthanize the cat immediately, but kept the cat alive and used it to test a new laser surgical tool, the board says. He then euthanized the cat a few days later. Hah was sited for fraud and deception, unprofessional conduct and failure to keep proper records in the case.

In 2008, two inspections were performed as part of a complaint-related investigation. Hah was cited for numerous violations and indications of unprofessional conduct, including dispensing and distributing expired drugs, mislabeling drugs, improperly storing controlled substances, utilizing poor sterilization technique, failing to keep the premises clean and sanitary, and failing to keep proper records.

In 2011, the Department of Consumer Affairs for the Veterinary Medical Board in California requested a hearing to determine the proper course of disciplinary action for Hah. His license was later revoked.