It was a disturbing Facebook post back in April 2015, showing a Texas veterinarian holding an orange and white cat that had been shot through the head by an arrow with the statement, “My first bow kill … lol,” the post read. “The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through it’s [sic] head! Vet of the year award … gladly accepted.”
Quickly the photo and callous comment went viral, prompting calls to the Brenham Police Department and Washington County Animal Control. Kristen Lindsey was soon fired from her position as a veterinarian at the Washington Animal Hospital.The cat, Lindsey killed, named Tiger, is believed to have been owned by her neighbors. That cat has never been found.
On Monday morning in Austin, Texas, Kristen Lindsey and the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners began an administrative hearing which is expected to last three days as to whether Lindsey’s license should be revoked. As of this time, she is able to practice veterinary medicine. Although an Austin County Grand Jury did not have enough evidence to charge Lindsey with a crime, the Texas Board of Veterinary Examiners’ Enhancement Committee contended the vet was in violation of the Veterinary Licensing Act, and the Board ruled to revoke her license.
According to Tiger’s Justice Team News, Mrs. Johnson, who owned Tiger, testified on Monday that was a photo of her dead cat shown on the screen at the hearing. Lindsey’s attorney questioned Tiger’s owner how she knew if it was really her cat? Lindsey has denied the allegations against her, stating in an October affidavit, she thought the cat was rabid and had posed a threat to her animals. Pushing forward however, in a deposition in February, Lindsey contradicted herself reported the Veterinary News.
Lindsey has denied the Board’s allegations against her, saying in an October affidavit that she believed the cat was rabid and a threat to her animals, “given the existing and extensive rabies outbreak in Washington and Austin Counties.” However, her defense going forward has been questioned, as in a deposition Feb. 9, when Lindsey contradicted her original defense that the cat was rabid confirming she never had the cat tested. She continued to state the cat did not suffer and its death was instantaneous; therefore the Board doesn’t have the authority to revoke her license. In addition she had not been practicing veterinary medicine at that time where she was employed, and the death of the cat was within the scope of “wildlife management.”
Lindsey contends the Board has been influenced by public outrage and has referred to the case as “frivolous, unreasonable and without foundation.” Should the charges be dismissed against her, Lindsey is also suing for legal fees. Lindsay will be able to testify as to why she should be able to keep her veterinary license. As of this time, she is still able to practice veterinary medicine.
By Monday afternoon the update on Tiger’s Justice Team News stated:
“Following opening arguments this morning, exhibits were entered into the court record, followed by testimony by Tiger’s owners. The hearing adjourned for lunch, then reconvened moments ago. Tiger’s pet sitter is giving testimony now.”
Read the original story here.
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