VINELAND (New Jersey) - POLICE said a New Jersey man posed as a female animal doctor, ran an illegal veterinary practice and set up a phony rescue agency that may have duped pet lovers out of thousands of dollars.

Vineland police arrested 26-year-old Daniel C. Tyce on Friday and charged him with practicing medicine without a license. He is being held on US$10,000 (S$14,500) bail.

Police said he ran a business called South Jersey Small Animal Rescue, falsely identifying himself as Dr Danielle Smith, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school.

Police said he inoculated pets and offered small animals for adoption for a fee. He also solicited donations, claiming the agency was a non-profit. Authorities say it was not.

Police do not know if Tyce has retained a lawyer. -- AP