Case Details

Failing to meet minimum standards of veterinary care
Atlanta, GA (US)

Date: Apr 15, 2002
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Emmett J. Ashley

Case ID: 1821
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Suspect was in animal welfare field
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The Georgia state Board of Veterinary Medicine issued an emergency suspension of the license of Bonaire veterinarian Dr. Emmett J. Ashley (license #1025), after finding credible evidence that Dr. Ashley posed an imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare for failing to meet minimum standards of veterinary care.

The Veterinary Board voted unanimously to take emergency action after receiving evidence that Dr. Ashley failed to provide appropriate medical treatment to a dog found suffering from a neck laceration and dehydration at his Bonaire Clinic.  The dog was later euthanized as a result of its injuries.  Dr. Ashley also faces animal cruelty chages in Houston County (Docket # 89-343, AG k#64 AC-CA-93500-87)

Dr. Ashley's suspension was effective immediately and prohibits him from practicing veterinary medicine in Georgia.  Under state law, he can request an appeal hearing.  In 1991, Dr. Ashley's license was suspended for 6 months with 5 years probation for violations of the veterinary practice act related to his clinics in Atlanta and Lithia Springs.

In March 1980, Ashley was under investigation by the Attorney General's office for harassing witnesses for testifying against him.  Ashley had asked for an arrest warrant for Dr. Linda King but it was later withdrawn.  Ashley had attempted to intimidate Dr. King with the arrest warrant.

Ashley is the former Zoo Atlanta veterinarian (1982 to 1984) who was at the center of a 1984 scandal after a series of animal deaths at the zoo, including the case of Twinkles, who died after being lent to a carnival.  Ashley was blamed for the deaths and fired from his posistion.  Dr. Brent Swenson, Cheif veterinarian at a Yerkes REsearch Center, who temporarily cared for the animals at the Atlanta Zoo testified that he could find no evidence of regular parasite control or other preventive medicne adminstered under Ashely's direction at the zoo.

In July 1989, Ashley was accused of putting a chihuahua to sleep with Clorox and for removing organs from dead dogs without the owners' permission.  The Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine, after a year long investigation, brought charges of professional misconduct against Ashley.

On April 2nd 2003:  The veterinary board met with Ashley, regarding his inability to find a licensed veterinarian willing to fulfill the supervisory requirements set forth in his consent order.  The following modifications were made to allow Ashley to practice under supervision.
1.  Ashley must attend the UGA Practitioner Program in the Small Animal Dept for 1 month and have the program mkae available to the Board attendance records and written evaluation of Ashley's participation in the program.
2.  Ashley must work under direct supervison for 4 months.  Dr.'s Felix and Ben Smith were approved by the Board to provide the supervison.  Any other veterinarian who may provide supervision must be approved by the Board.

References

The Georgia Secretary of State Office
Culver Kidd Papers
Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine
The Atlanta Journal Constitution

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