Expired DVM license leads to $30,000 in fines

MEMPHIS, TENN. — An expired temporary license is costing a Tennessee DVM $30,000 in fines from the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

Dr. Gregory Don Shaw Jr. was issued a temporary license, good for about one year, in June 2005, according to the board. But instead of applying for a permanent license in May 2006, the board says Shaw waited until February 2008 to apply for another temporary license, which was denied for his failure to provide a licensed supervising veterinarian on the day he was scheduled to work.

Despite his failure to obtain new temporary licenses or a permanent license, Shaw was employed at two different animal hospitals and a humane society, but in December finally was issued a new temporary license, and his permanent license was obtained in February 2009. But along with that, the board ruled to assess 30 civil penalties of $1,000 for each month he practiced without a valid license. Shaw will remain on probation for five years.