If you saw this infamous story in the spring of 2015, you’ll probably never forget: Texas dweller Kristin Lindsey shot Tiger, her neighbor’s cat, with an arrow when it wandered into her yard. Afterward, she proudly posed with the ginger tabby’s body and posted the photos on Facebook.
Aside from the unspeakable cruelty of her actions and the heartbreak it must’ve caused the kitty’s family, the worst part of the case is that Lindsey is a veterinarian.
Legal action was pursued, and in October 2016, Lindsey’s veterinary license was suspended for a year. Once the suspension was up, she was supposed to be able to practice again, but under strict conditions: for the following four years, she’d have to be under constant supervision and complete educational courses in animal welfare.
But now, that four-year “probation”- type period is being put on hold. On July 21st of this year, Judge Karin Crump decided to extend her temporary suspension for an unspecified amount of time. This means that at the moment, Lindsey still won’t be able to practice veterinary medicine, even once her first suspension year is up.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund, who has been heavily involved in the case, commented in a press release:
Though the temporary license suspension falls far short of an appropriate sanction for Lindsey’s intentional killing of a defenseless cat named Tiger, who belonged to a neighbor, it does signal that her behavior is simply incompatible with the trust placed in veterinarians, and acknowledges that her actions have stained the good name of that profession.
Animal advocates agree that this punishment is far too mild for the crime. But the fight isn’t over yet, and Lindsey has been on a losing streak with the court system for awhile. We just hope that she continues to get disciplined until her veterinary license is revoked completely and she faces jail time.
For now, the Animal Legal Defense Fund wants to reiterate their gratitude to Judge Karin Crump for extending the cat killer’s vet license suspension. They encourage other supporters to sign a petition to thank Judge Crump for her decision and encourage more like it in the future. (Lindsey was also in hot water for a DWI case last year…)
To access the petition, click here. (Warning: the page shows one of the graphic photos that Lindsey posted online.)
To follow updates on this case, follow the Tiger’s Justice Team News Page on Facebook.
(h/t: Animal League Defense Fund)