A respected veterinarian has launched a scathing attack on the Department of Environmental Protection following the controversial sacking of former dog warden Fabian Minors.

Dr. Maureen Ware-Cieters, who works out of the Hannover Veterinary Hospital in north Hamilton, argued last week that Mr. Minors has been the victim of a ?calculated and devious campaign? to remove him from his post ? a campaign she claims was initiated by his employers and work colleagues with whom he was ?often at odds?.

Mr. Minors, who is well known in the dog community as a passionate and often aggressive opponent of those in the dog fighting underworld, was relieved of his post last week following reported allegations of animal cruelty.

The Department yesterday said that Mr. Minors had been sacked because of a ?long series of acts of misconduct? and in accordance with Government policy refused to discuss the particulars of the case.

?We at the clinic have known Fabian Minors for over 15 years and he was an honest dog warden,? Dr. Ware-Cieters said.

?He did his job without fear, favour or bias. Because of this and his obvious dedication, he found himself at odds with people within his department of far less calibre. That he has found himself on the receiving end of a very well orchestrated and devious campaign to remove him from the dog warden-ship is both sad and alarming.

?Those who trumped up a cruelty charge against him (apart from being unqualified to do so) are the very same people who have, and continue to refuse support in various instances of sustained cruelty and inexcusable conditions. They have made all sorts of excuses for deplorable operational policies which are manifestly counter to the welfare of animals in their care.

?This same group of people, who mobbed Fabian out of office, has hidden behind the excuse of ?fear of reprisals? to cover their own systematic inertia and unwillingness to execute their duties in a consistent and unreliable manner.?

By contrast, however, other veterinarians contacted by were more guarded in their response, with one individual, who did not wish to be named, saying that despite his ?noble intentions? Mr. Minors was often prone ?to crossing the line?.

?There are people within the local veterinary profession who disapprove of some of his methods and what they sometimes see as unnecessary aggression,? the source said. understands that Mr. Minors has been receiving legal advice and is currently awaiting written notification of his dismissal before deciding how to proceed.