SPCA vet resigns days after being hired

WHEATFIELD, N.Y. (WIVB) - He was hired just last week to oversee veterinary care at the troubled SPCA of Niagara, but Dr. Grant Hobika has suddenly resigned after some harsh criticism from former clients and co-workers.

Dr. Hobika resigned as overseer of the animals just three days after he was hired. Attorney Paul Cambria, working with the embattled shelter, told the board not to go forward with Dr. Hobika after some of the vet's former clients and co-workers came forward with criticism about his past performance and his way of dealing with people on occasion.

Former client Gail Smith said, "He suggested because of incontinence problems the animal may possibly, should be put down, and I thought that was an incorrect diagnosis and fortunately I didn't take that advice."

Another former client, Kelly Andrews, said, "She had had some problems. I took her in for a spay, and he wanted to do more treatment on her that wasn't necessary for her to have done at the time, and it seemed that it was all about money."

Shirley Carter, of Niagara Feline Friends, Inc., said, "The charging of the treatments were so out of whack. I know on an average what things cost, and it was just absurd."

The SPCA of Niagara is coming off a difficult period. It's Executive Director was fired, and the shelter is dealing with findings of inhumane treatment of animals. Critics wanted to now how Dr. Hobika came to be hired about three days ago?

Morgan Dunbar, of Animal Allies of Western New York, said, "Who vetted the vet? And from what I understand, Scrufari, board president, made this decision to appoint him unilaterally and exclusively on his own."

Dr. Grant Hobika's family is defending his character and his skills as a veterinarian.

His sister, Elissa Douglas, said, "My brother is a very kind and compassionate man and veterinarian, and he is extremely confident, who has denied any wrongdoing in this matter."

The doctor's bother, Dr. Geoffrey Hobika, said, "It seems it's been a character assassination, one-sided and unfounded. It seems like it would be unfounded, and he really has not had an opportunity to respond."

Dr. Hobika did comment late Monday afternoon saying his "good name was dragged through the mud." He said thousands of his former veterinary clients were happy with the care their pets received.

News 4 tried reaching SPCA of Niagara President Brandy Scrufari, but his cell phone mailbox was full.