AUSTIN, Texas A Texas court has rejected appeals from Kristen Lindsey, whose veterinary license was suspended as punishment for shooting an arrow through the head of a cat, Tiger, and bragging about the killing on social media. One of the court’s rulings upheld a state board’s decision that allowed Lindsey to resume practicing on a probationary basis after a suspension of just one year, meaning that she was legally allowed to resume practice in October 2017.
“We’re pleased that the courts still see Kristen Lindsey’s actions as deserving of punishment, however, a one-year suspension is grossly inadequate for a veterinarian who gained such pleasure from the torture of a cat,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Kristen Lindsey should never be trusted to practice veterinary medicine again.”
Lindsey shot and killed Tiger, an orange-and-white tabby, in the spring of 2015. Alley Cat Allies actively pushed for harsh punishment, filing an amicus brief and offering testimony in the case. It ensured that Kristen Lindsey’s actions did not escape notice and that she was held accountable for her killing of Tiger.
The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME) voted in October 2016 to suspend Lindsey’s license for five years. However, for the final four years, Lindsey is allowed to practice on a probationary basis, meaning that she only served one year of a complete suspension, from October 2016 through October 2017.
Lindsey later appealed not only the TBVME’s official sanction, but also its authority to bring disciplinary action against her. This ruling from the Texas Third Court of Appeals rejects both appeals, and orders that Lindsey pay all costs related to the appeals, both in the trial court and the court of appeals.
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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., is the global engine of change for cats. We protect and improve cats’ lives through our innovative, cutting-edge programs. We are seen around the world as a champion for the humane treatment of all cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than 650,000 supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens worldwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org, and Alley Cat Allies is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube.