BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

LOUISVILLE -- A veterinarian who previously sued the towns of Louisville and Massena, village of Massena and area fire departments has had his license to practice suspended for failing to properly maintain an anesthesia record.

According to the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Dr. Wilfredo Perez had his license suspended for three months on July 13, 2026 in a regents action listed as calendar number 34779. 

It is alleged Perez agreed to a penalty of a three month actual suspension, with a 21-month, stayed suspension after he failed to record a canine's condition before, during and after surgery. 

He is also alleged to have failed to maintain a proper anesthesia record. 

Upon returning to practice, Perez will be on probation for two years and be forced to pay a $1,500 fine. 

Under the summary listed by NYSED, Perez did not contest the charge that he failed to record a canine's condition before, during and after surgery. 

He is also alleged to have failed to maintain a proper anesthesia record. 

Social media posts from numerous patients and organizations, including Evergreen Pet Cremations and Pawsitively Purrfect Retreat, state that emails were sent to patients stating the clinic will be closed until Nov. 4. 

Pet records can be picked up during the month of August, however no official reason was given in the emails. 

In a copy of the email received by North Country This Week, the patients were told the following: 

"Dear Clients,

We regret to inform you that Dr. Perez will be unavailable until November 4, effective immediately.  The office will be open on a limited basis should you need a copy of your records.”

Perez made headlines in October 2022 when his clinic was lost in a massive blaze fire inspectors said was likely caused by a wood stove. 

Shortly thereafter, Perez filed a notice of claim against the towns of Louisville and Massena, along with the Louisville and Massena Volunteer Fire Departments, a precursor to suing the entities. 

In Feb. 2023, Perez amended the complaint to include the village of Massena.

In the motion filed by Perez's attorney Jorge Marquez of Scarinci Hollenbeck, New York City, Perez claims the entities involved in battling the Oct. 28, 2022 blaze that destroyed the clinic showed "reckless disregard and may be personally responsible because of their willful negligence or malfeasance."

He also claims the town of Louisville, town of Massena and village of Massena "assumed a positive direction and control in the face of the known, blatant, and dangerous safety violation by condoning the actions that led to the fire rekindling," which ultimately led to a total loss of the structure.

The Java Veterinary Clinic is located in the town of Louisville, though numerous fire departments responded with mutual aid. 

In the process, Perez also put the fire departments of Akwesasne, Potsdam, Madrid, West Stockholm, Norfolk, Brasher-Winthrop, and Waddington on notice but did not include them in the lawsuit.

When the fire rekindled, Massena Louisville, Norfolk, Brasher-Winthrop, Madrid and Waddington responded, with Massena Volunteer Fire responding with an aerial truck as well, documents stated.

No injuries were reported but at least two dogs were lost in the fire.

Java Veterinary Center also offered boarding services for North Country Residents.

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