Lebanon veterinarian's license suspended for abusing animals

News 8 WMTW and NewsRadio WMTW Staff

GARDINER -- The Maine Board of Veterinary Medicine has suspended the license of a vet in Lebanon for abusing several dogs in his care.

Dr. John Carmody won't be able to practice for six months and is on probation for two years.

Carmody was suspended following four charges that he injured or cruelly beat dogs in his care at the Forest View Veterinary Clinic in Lebanon. Carmody claimed he kicked the animals "defensively" or used force to restrain them.

The board heard from witness Seth Breton who said he saw Carmody beating a dog named Bullet.

"John kicked, brutally kicked Bullet. He didn't place bullet with his foot. He brutally, viciously kicked for a god 30 to 45 seconds," Breton said. The board heard from other witnesses, as well.

Carmody told the board he remembers only one of those incidents, but that in general, over the last 20 years of his practice, he has used force to restrain and treat difficult or aggressive animals, leaning into them or using his foot to give an injection, for example.

Board members said they received letters regarding the case from as far away as Europe. Attorney Bill Robitzek said his client respects the decision of the board, but is concerned that he will never be able to practice veterinary medicine after such a high-profile case.

(Carmody listens at a hearing before the state's veterinarian board. Photo by NewsRadio's Jenna Lane)

da "WMTW Home" di Thursday, October 3, 2002, 7:47 PM

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