Sangrur-born Indian Veterinarian’s book exposes racism in Canada’s veterinary industry

An Indian-origin veterinarian in Canada has penned a book on racism in Canada.

In the memoir, titled 'Underdog: A Veterinarian’s Fight Against Racism and Injustice', Dr Hakam Singh Bhullar, hailing from Sangrur (Punjab), chronicles his 13-year battle against systemic racism in Canada’s veterinary profession.

The book is a gripping account of resilience, justice and the fight for equity in the face of institutional bias.

Dr Bhullar’s journey began in 1995 when he opened Vancouver’s first low-cost animal clinic, a groundbreaking initiative to make veterinary care accessible to families in need, the homeless, and animal welfare groups. As the first Indo-Canadian veterinarian to launch such a venture, he also mentored new immigrant veterinarians, challenging the profit-driven norms of the industry. However, his success drew fierce opposition from the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association (BCVMA), which unleashed a campaign of discriminatory licensing barriers, surprise inspections, and relentless complaints.

What followed was the longest human rights trial in Canadian history, exposing deep-seated racism within the veterinary profession. Dr. Bhullar’s fight culminated in a landmark ruling and a rare public apology from the BCVMA. “This book is not just about my story—it’s about the power of persistence, the importance of community, and the belief that justice can prevail, even when the odds are stacked against you,” Dr Bhullar said.

"Underdog" reveals shocking details, including surveillance footage capturing a senior BCVMA official stating, “Gone are the days when you can go there with a torch and burn the place down. Quicker way.” The book serves as a reminder of how institutional bias can weaponize systems of power to suppress those advocating for equity.

Dr. Bhullar told The Tribune that more than a memoir, "Underdog" is a call to action, urging readers to confront systemic inequities and champion fairness. As racial disparities continue to challenge societies across North America, Dr. Bhullar’s story offers both a warning and a beacon of hope.

Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar, an Indo-Canadian veterinarian, was born in the village of Saron, within the district of Sangrur in Punjab, India. In 1986, he graduated from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana.

After completing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, he worked in a government position as a Veterinary Officer in Punjab until his move to Canada in November 1991. Two years later, in 1993, he moved to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, USA to complete his one-year veterinary internship.

In 1995, he became a full-fledged, licensed veterinarian with the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association (BCVMA, Regulatory Body) and opened his first clinic, Atlas Animal Hospital, in Vancouver, BC.