Florida Veterinarian Accused Of Sexual Abuse Of Dog, Child Porn

Licensed professionals have a huge responsibility. In order to keep their licenses and stay employed in their chosen profession, they must refrain from engaging in immoral or illegal activities that could threaten the status of their license.

Sex abuse is an example of a crime that is taken seriously in Florida. When a licensed professional such as a veterinarian is accused of abusing animals or children, they can face not only jail time, but license suspension as well.

A veterinarian from South Florida is facing multiple criminal charges for sexually abusing a dog and possessing child pornography. The 40-year-old man was arrested on the evening of March 16. He appeared in federal court the next day. He has also since attended a detention hearing.

The man was the medical director of Caring Hands Animal Hospital. He was fired two weeks before his arrest after the hospital caught wind of his crimes. He was charged under a federal law outlawing the video production of animal abuse.

Those who became aware of the veterinarian’s actions were shocked. The hospital staff called his crimes “heinous and unthinkable.” Animal advocates and clients who knew the veterinarian well are in disbelief. They brought their animals to him so he could provide them with the best care possible. They trusted the man and did not think he could ever do such a thing.

The investigation began in February when agents from Homeland Security received a cyber tip. They raided the veterinarian’s home in Miami-Dade. Agents found various images in the home, including photos depicting child pornography and photos of the man sexually abusing a dog.

The veterinarian is facing charges for child pornography possession and sexual abuse of an animal. If convicted, the man could face up to seven years in prison.

Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty can happen in various ways. One of them is through animal sexual abuse. Animal sexual abuse is also called bestiality and can result in injury or even death. Sometimes there are multiple people involved who provide animals for abuse. In many cases, someone takes pictures or videos of the abuse taking place. These images may be sold for profit.

Animal sexual abuse is a crime under Florida Statutes, Section 828.126. Under this law, a person may not engage in any sexual contact or sexual conduct with an animal. They also may not permit someone to have sexual contact with an animal in their possession. They also may not organize, promote or participate in sexual abuse with an animal. A person who is convicted of animal sexual abuse is charged with a first-degree misdemeanor of the first degree, which is punishable by a $1,000 fine and one year in jail.

Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Veterinarian Licensing Lawyer

Veterinarians need a valid license in order to practice medicine on animals. However, criminal offenses such as abuse can cause a person to lose their job and license.

Tampa veterinarian licensing lawyer David P. Rankin can help you with any administrative issues you may face. We have helped veterinarians and other licensed professionals with disciplinary matters. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (813) 968-6633.

Resource:

nbcmiami.com/news/local/south-florida-veterinarian-accused-of-child-porn-possession-sexual-abuse-of-dog/2407909/