A NEW Forest vet convicted of possessing 2,600 indecent images of children and animals is to be investigated by the organisation that regulates the industry.
Robert Russell is listed as a director of the Pet Healthcare Centre, which closed suddenly two weeks ago - leaving clients wondering where to take their animals.
A notice on the door says the practice at Pylewell Road has shut temporarily "due to business issues currently beyond our control".
Appearing at Southampton Crown Court in June, Russell, 63, of Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst, admitted making indecent photographs of children, possessing a prohibited image of a child, and possessing extreme pornographic images involving animals.
He was handed two-year community order, including a requirement to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in force for five years.
READ MORE: Lyndhurst man had more than 2,600 indecent images
Speaking after the case Dan Rowling, of Hampshire Constabulary's internet child abuse team, said: "This was a long, protracted case – but we have taken robust action to put Russell in front of the courts and to secure a conviction.
"He clearly poses a risk to children with the significant amount of indecent images that he had created and possessed during a six-year period."
A spokesperson for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons told the Daily Echo: "We are aware of the court case and, now it has concluded, will begin our own investigation into the matter."
As reported, animal owners say their dead pets are lying inside the building.
People whose dogs and cats had to be put down could have them cremated and then arrange to collect the ashes. But the surgery is thought to have shut before Newbury-based Pet Cremation Services (PCS) could make its latest pick-up.
READ MORE: Dead pets 'stuck inside vets' surgery that closed suddenly
Several people have taken to social media to voice their anger and dismay.
One person posted: "PCS brought my dog's ashes to Hythe to find it closed. The driver is now taking the ashes back to Newbury and I have to wait to find out what happens next."
Other pet owners want to know if the records of animals that were still being treated have been transferred to other practices.
One said: "I'm assuming they have because it's pretty unacceptable to just close the door if a pet has a complex health history."
Neither the surgery nor PCS has responded to a request for comment.
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