The deputy mayor of a commune in Dâmbovița County is under criminal investigation after allegedly illegally practicing veterinary medicine

The deputy mayor of Lucieni commune, Dâmbovița County, is under criminal investigation after allegedly practicing veterinary medicine illegally and causing intense suffering to animals. The investigation is being conducted by officers from the Animal Protection Bureau, under the supervision of a prosecutor from the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the Târgoviște District Court.

The investigation began after the man allegedly castrated three male goats without anesthesia on September 27. The animals belonged to a woman. According to investigators, the procedures were carried out without the owner’s consent after the animals allegedly entered the deputy mayor’s property.

Police say Emil Cornel Băjenaru was known in the community as a veterinarian, although he has no specialized training. Between 2023 and July 2026, he allegedly administered 11 vaccines to dogs, performed an injectable treatment on a bovine and completed and signed animal health booklets.

The man is being investigated for animal cruelty and unauthorized practice of a profession. He was detained for 24 hours and then placed under judicial supervision for 58 days. The guilt and criminal liability are to be established by prosecutors and the court.