Enquiry

(1) In the conduct of a formal enquiry, the Board shall serve on the veterinary surgeon against whom formal enquiry is to be instituted, a notice which shall, (a) specify in the form of a charge, the matter into which the enquiry is to be held; and (b) state the time and place at which the enquiry is proposed to be held. (2) Except with the consent of the veterinary surgeon, an enquiry shall not be fixed for a date earlier than twenty-eight days after the date of notice of enquiry. (3) In any case where there is a complaint, a copy of the complaint shall be sent to the veterinary surgeon with the notice of enquiry. (4) The veterinary surgeon shall be entitled to receive free copies, or to be allowed access to any documentary evidence relied on for the purpose of the enquiry. (5) The veterinary surgeon shall have the right to be represented by counsel or solicitor in any formal enquiry instituted against him. (6) Where witnesses are examined by the Board, the veterinary surgeon shall be given an opportunity of attending and of putting questions to the witnesses on his own behalf. (7) The veterinary surgeon shall be permitted to give evidence, call witnesses and make submission orally or in writing on his own behalf. (8) If at the conclusion of the hearing the Board is of the opinion that the veterinary surgeon is not guilty of misconduct 13 in a professional respect, he shall be immediately notified of its findings, but if the veterinary surgeon is found guilty of any such charge, the Board shall proceed under section 9 of this Act.