A VET has challenged whoever is behind an anonymous white van protest against his practice to go public with their grievances.

A large van specially painted on both sides with the phrase ‘Dunelm Vets caused suffering to my dogs at great expense’ appeared outside Dunelm Veterinary Practice, on Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, Durham City, on Saturday lunchtime (June 21).

Jack Creaner, a partner at the practice – which has been in business for more than a century, said there had been no explanation and there were no complaints outstanding.

However, the Fishburn-taxed vehicle, which has the registration AE55 NZK, has been left outside the practice ever since, clearly visible from a main road, and has become a talking point, both in the city and on social media.

Mr Creaner said the protest was cowardly and challenged whoever was responsible to come forward.

“The allegations are not the sort of thing any vets’ practice is doing. Causing suffering to dogs is exactly what we’re not about,” Mr Creaner, who has worked at Dunelm Vets for 20 years, said.

“If someone wants to discuss a grievance, they should do it in the proper way. It’s cowardly. It’s underhanded.

“They weren’t confident enough to bring the grievance to us, or even drop the van off while there was somebody here.”

Mr Creaner said the van was parked between the practice closing at 1pm and his return at 2.30pm.

He said many customers had been in touch to say they disagreed with the sentiment of the protest.

“I’m disappointed they didn’t feel they could deal with this in a more conventional manner.

“But I’m pleased and gratified at the number of people we’ve had come forward to say they don’t agree with it at all,” he added.

Complaints against vets are investigated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The van is not parked illegally or causing an obstruction. An LDV vehicle, it has a small golden dog ornament on the dashboard.

Do you know who is behind the protest? Call the Newsdesk on 01325-505054.