Vet arrested in Chihuahua's beating

[irish_blue69]

PHOENIX - Arizona authorities arrested a veterinarian Monday on suspicion that he hit a five-pound Chihuahua in the head so hard that he dislodged the dog's eye. Joshua Winston faces animal cruelty charges in the June 4 incident, according to Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesman Capt. Paul Chagolla.
Another spokesman, Deputy Charles Scudella, said Winston had posted bond Monday night and would be released. He did not know how much the bond was.
Employees at the Sun City West Animal Hospital northwest of Phoenix reported that Winston hit the Chihuahua, named Bella, in the head three to five times with his fist.
The dog survived, but had to undergo corrective surgery.
"The eye was put back in and stitched," Scudella said. "It's a wait-and-see if the dog still gets use of the eye."
Two veterinarian technicians who said they witnessed the incident told the sheriff's office that Winston was extremely frustrated with the dog because it was uncooperative and aggressive during a visit for spay surgery.
"We trust our vets with those that we love most," Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said. "Most vets are good people, they love animals. I just hope this is an isolated incident, not just with this vet, but with any vet."
Winston also faces a theft charge from an incident earlier this year. Hospital employees said Winston charged a client $80 for medication he didn't give a Neapolitan Mastiff after the dog became uncooperative.
A call to the animal hospital was not immediately returned Monday.


Vet arrested in Chihuahua's beating - Yahoo! News

[irish_blue69]

I hope that they throw the book at this guy. For someone who is supposed to help and treat our pets this guy doesn't deserve to have a medical license.

[KBay84]

I don't have words suitable for public consumption to express my thoughts.

I own a chihuahua that was a rescue from an animal abuser. She is the sweetest thing, and I'd never in a million years think that I'd ever own a chihuahua.

I was told that this little girl barked too much, and while the Mexican and his buds drank beer, he yanked her up by her collar and slammed her into the side of his van. Farqhed.

A Vet, someone we animal owners entrust with the lives of our furry, four-legged family members, violence by him/her upon our pets is an inexcusable crime.

You'd never let a school teacher belt the eye out of your son or daughter, would you?

[conlor]

He needs to never practice again! If he doesn't have the temperament, why would he think an animal would. The dogs were probably scared. What an ass! I know my dogs and cats get nervous going to the vets. There are all those strange smells.

I never even hit a pet to train them. (or a kid). Physical abuse is NEVER warranted!

[KBay84]

Forget about not practicing again, I want to see him behind bars for criminal animal abuse.

We see far too few animal cases get a walk, or minor punitive damages. I'm, no PeTa member, but I AM an animal owner...and I love my furry family members like the kids they are to me.

[SherryGrace]

I have 2 chihuahuas. One was going to be put down by the breeders, because she's deaf. The other was found wandering a neighborhood for weeks, in the fall rains, with no food or shelter and was severly emaciated. I can't imagine our vet hitting one of them...its just unthinkable.

He needs to lose his license and go to jail.

Asshole.

[bilbo37]

To start with, I think that as soon as the story got out, that people would stop going to this particular Vet.. That in itself would take care of having a job.. Then with the criminal charges on it, he will not be practicing again.. Then he will be ostracized from his community.

I hope that people will not let this be forgotten for quite a while..