The Underdog

A true David and Goliath story-of courage, conviction, and the fight for justice.

In 1995, Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar became the first Indo-Canadian veterinarian to establish a low-cost clinic in Vancouver, with the goal of making quality animal care accessible to everyone.

He offered affordable care, partnered with animal welfare groups, and mentored other immigrant veterinarians to do the same. But success came with a price. Dr. Bhullar’s inclusive model threatened a tightly controlled industry. The British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association launched a coordinated campaign of systemic obstruction – discriminatory licensing barriers, sudden clinic inspections, and relentless disciplinary actions – all aimed at stifling the rise of Indo-Canadian veterinarians.

Refusing to back down, Dr. Bhullar and a coalition of veterinarians took a stand, sparking what would become the longest human rights trial in Canadian history in an attempt to expose institutional racism and force a reckoning within the profession.

The Underdog is a powerful story of resilience, community, and the cost of challenging the status quo; a must-read for anyone who believes in justice, inclusion, and the courage to challenge the system.

Author Biography

Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar is the founder and the lead veterinarian of Atlas Animal Hospital. A graduate of Punjab Agricultural University, he began his career as a Veterinarian Officer in Punjab, India. In 1991, he immigrated to Canada to pursue greater opportunities, completing a clinical internship at Iowa State University in 1993 and earning his Canadian veterinary license in 1995.Driven by a deep commitment to accessible animal care, Dr. Bhullar established multiple veterinary clinics across British Columbia, each rooted in his mission to provide high-quality, affordable services to pet owners of all backgrounds.