allegation that her husband was attacked because he used racial slurs, has driven veterinarians, Dr. Maureen Ware-Cieters and Dr. Jan Cieters to speak out.

Dr. Cieters flatly denied news reports that he was attacked by a customer after he racially insulted him.

"I have never, ever in my whole life abused anyone racially or used racial insults,'' Dr. Cieters said yesterday.

Dr. Cieters, who with his wife, runs the Hannover Veterinary Hospital on North Street in Hamilton, said he was "shocked'' to learn of the allegations run in the news media.

The comments were made in open court during the plea court session held on Monday. In that session 29-year-old Kenneth Outerbridge was fined $500 for a physical assault on Dr. Cieters with a can opener.

But Outerbridge told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner, during those proceedings that he wanted to "knock him out'' because he had uttered racist comments.

In a prepared statement from the veterinary clinic the couple described Outerbridge's attack as "entirely unprovoked'' and said it was witnessed by several of their clients.

They said that the incident arose solely from Outerbridge's outstanding debt.

"Dr. Cieters has never, and would never use racially provocative remarks,'' the statement read. It further charged that such a suggestion only succeeds "in damaging the reputation and integrity of Dr. Cieters, a gentle, kind, patient professional, who serves all Bermudians without prejudice''.

In his defence Dr. Cieters pointed out that he has worked in some of the poorest areas of Jamaica where racial insults could get someone killed.

"I actually worked in parts were the Police cordoned off areas and army tanks were guarding,'' he said.

"I was a government veterinarian in Jamaica, in charge of St. Andrew's parish which is about five times the size of Bermuda.

"I never had any problems -- people accepted me for what I am. You wouldn't be alive if you used racial insults.

"The long and short of it is that he didn't pay his bill,'' said Dr. Cieters.

But the statement also alleges that there was "professional incompetence'' on the part of the Police in attending the disturbance.

"We were so shocked by the inappropriate behaviour of the Sergeant who finally responded to this complaint,...that we tried to lodge an official complaint with the Police Department. To this date, that complaint has not been responded to.'' the release said.

Police said they acknowledged Mrs. Ware-Cieters' concerns and complimented her, saying: "She did do the right thing.'' "I think it's important to note this case has been resolved before the courts, however, we do understand Mrs. Ware-Cieters has some concerns about the way the investigation was handled,'' said a Police spokesperson.

The officer in question retired from the service but Police are still "taking note'' of the matter, said the spokesperson.

He said: "I just want to reiterate that if members of the public do have concerns regarding the Police service, we encourage them to make complaints through official channels.''