A remarkable story, from our own hometown newspaper, showing how licensure is ultimately backed by the police power, and on behalf of a producer cartel, in this case the veterinarians:
Brooke Williams
Staff Writer W
ednesday, March 3, 2004
The owners of for Paws Boutique in Auburn were arrested Monday in connection with instances of practicing veterinary medicine without a license, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners investigated the pet store and issued search and arrest warrants for owners Rebekah Perry and Cindy Salter. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest and search Monday at about 4:45 p.m.
“I do not know why they investigated (the store),” said Perry. “I am not a veterinarian and I am not practicing veterinary medicine.”
The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners would not comment on reasons for the arrest because of an ongoing investigation.
Both Perry and Salter were rescuing stray cats and vaccinating the animals, Perry said. The owners purchased the vaccinations, and buying these vaccinations is not illegal, she added.
The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners were searching for rabies vaccinations, and it is against the law to purchase rabies vaccinations, Perry said.
“As far as I know, it is not illegal to adopt stray cats,” she said. “I don’t see what was done wrong.”
Money has never been taken from clients to vaccinate an animal, she said.
About 23 cats are currently living at the pet boutique. Perry said she is not going to adopt stray cats anymore, and each cat will be sent to the Lee County Humane Society. The cats will more than likely be euthanized, she added. “And it’s a shame.”
This is the first instance that the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners have issued a warrant, Perry said.
“It definitely rocked my world yesterday,” she said.
