Woman convicted of performing procedure without the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
The Ventura County District Attorneys conviction of this unlicensed veterinary medical procedure marks a turning point in local law enforcement’s tolerance of illegal anesthetic free dental service providers in San Diego County and throughout California.
The news release below, posted by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, notes that the woman was arrested because of an investigation prompted by a consumer complaint. Please share this with groomers, pet shops, breeders and anyone else who is engaged in this unlawful activity.
Anesthesia free dentistry for animals should only be performed by a trained professional under the supervision of a veterinarian.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite N-323, Sacramento, CA 95834
P (916) 574-8170 F (916) 574-8612 | www.dca.ca.gov
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2012
VENTURA COUNTY WOMAN CONVICTED OF PRACTICING VETERINARY MEDICINE WITHOUT A LICENSE
Conviction Underscores Veterinary Medical Board’s
efforts to halt unlicensed operators
WILMINGTON – A Ventura County woman has been convicted of practicing veterinary medicine without a license following an investigation by the Veterinary Medical Board.
Katheryn Shafer, who was doing business as Houndstooth Pet Teeth Cleaning, 1547 Banning Boulevard in Wilmington, pleaded guilty to performing a dental operation upon an animal without being properly licensed and without the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. She has been placed on two years’ probation, fined $2,225.00, and ordered to serve 80 hours of community service. Senior Deputy District Attorney, Linda Groberg, of Ventura County was the prosecuting attorney on this case.
Shafer was arrested as the result of an investigation prompted by a consumer complaint. Investigators with the board conducted an undercover operation in which a dog was brought into her shop to have its teeth cleaned. After the cleaning Shafer was asked for her license and issued a citation for unlicensed and unlawful practice of veterinary medicine.
“Unlicensed activity is illegal,” said Susan Geranen, Executive Officer of the Veterinary Medical Board. “In addition to the potential harm for animals, unlicensed activity undermines the credibility and undercuts the business of licensed professionals, and costs California billions of dollars in lost revenue.”
