The Tennessee Department of Health has received a consent order from the Tennessee Veterinarian Examiners Board. The board has ordered the state to fine breeders, without veterinarian licenses, who are artificially inseminating mares they do not own.
“The Office of General Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Health has been sending individuals Consent Orders in Lieu of Formal Disciplinary Proceedings for allegedly practicing veterinary medicine without a license by artificially inseminating mares that are not personally owned,” said Lynda Hill of Miller & Martin PLLC. “According to the Consent Orders, these actions constitute grounds for discipline against the alleged violator pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated sec. 63-12-119.
“The Consent Orders are sent out to individuals to offer the accused an opportunity to avoid formal proceedings. In most instances, the Consent Orders assess fines based upon the number of years the accused has been artificially inseminating mares not personally owned.”
Hill said that Miller & Martin are representing numerous individuals and breeders who have received consent forms. The Chattanooga-based firm may be reached at 423-756-6600. Their web address is www.millermartin.com