One-year license suspension ordered for Kristen Lindsey

The Texas Board of State Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME) has ordered a one-year license suspension for Kristen Lindsey, DVM, the veterinarian at the center of a controversial bow-killing case. Lindsey will also be required to complete a four-year probation period with monitoring by a board-approved veterinarian, who will make quarterly reports to the board. In addition, she must complete an additional six hours of continuing education in animal welfare on top of the 17 hours annually required, according to Loris Jones, public information officer for the board.

Lindsey testifying at an administrative hearing. Photo courtesy of Alley Cat Allies.

The TBVME reached its decision at its October 18 full board meeting, at which the board heard the terms of the proposal for decision the administrative law judges assigned to the case. In the proposal, the administrative law judges had recommended a five-year suspension of her license, with four years of that suspension being fully probated with quarterly reporting, required continuing education in veterinary jurisprudence and animal welfare or other such classes the board deemed fit. The judges also recommended a community service requirement of at least 100 hours to be completed at a feline rescue, free spay-neuter clinic or similar facility.

The judges' recommendation came after an attempt to resolve the case in mediation failed, an administrative hearing was held, and Lindsey's subsequent motion for a partial retrial was denied after the judges found Lindsey failed to show good cause.

The case against Lindsey began in 2015 when she posted a graphic update on her Facebook page about a supposedly feral cat that she'd shot and killed with a bow and arrow, accompanied by a photo of the smiling veterinarian holding her kill.

"My first bow kill ... lol," the post read, accompanying the photo of Lindsey holding the cat by an arrow that appeared to be shot through its head. "The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through it's [sic] head! Vet of the year award ... gladly accepted."

The public outcry was swift and overwhelming, though an Austin County grand jury wasn't able to find sufficient evidence to charge Lindsey with criminal animal cruelty. The TBVME, however found Lindsey in violation and moved to revoke her license.

From here, Lindsey will have 30 days to appeal the TBVME decision, which she did through her lawyer following the conclusion of the October 18 board meeting.