A former Government trainee vet has taken legal action against the Minister of the Environment, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Dr. Susann Smith on Friday filed a writ against the Minister of the Environment, Planning and Natural Resources.

The writ cited the Administration of Justice (Prerogative writs) Act 1978, the Agriculture Act 1930 and the Agriculture Act 1930 Amendment Act 1966.

Dr. Smith, represented by lawyer Delroy Duncan, has refused to comment on her latest move in the six-month saga.

Dr. Smith was the Government's veterinarian trainee set to fill a position, last held by Dr. Neil Burnie who resigned in September, 1996.

She had her contract with Personnel Services controversially ended after she failed a US licensing examination three times.

It was reportedly not renewed because she failed to meet the expectations of her contract.

Despite her misfortune, Dr. Smith -- who holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Alabama's Tuskegee University -- has stuck with her fight to become the Government's full-time veterinarian.

She submitted her applicant for the recently advertised full-time post as Government Veterinary officer. The Department of Agriculture received several local and overseas applications for the job.

According to a supporter of Dr. Smith, the advertisement for the position was different from the 1993 advertisement she answered.

The 1993 wording allegedly said that the candidate had to be a graduate veterinarian from an accredited school.

The recent advertisement said a qualified veterinarian with a certificate enabling him or her to practise veterinary science in Bermuda.

According to the supporter, although the words were only "subtly'' changed, "the intent was very grave''.