The Animal Kind Vet controversy
MOD NOTE: the headline on this has been changed. It was originally Did Animal Kind Vet Kick and Punch Dying Dog?????
Did Animal Kind Vet Kick and Punch Dying Dog?????
WTF?
"no comment" is simply not acceptable:
http://gothamist.com/2010/01/31/aspca_doc_kicked_dying_dog_colleagu.php
A Bronx man who filed a lawsuit demanding clarification of the mysterious circumstances of his dog’s death at an ASPCA hospital received word recently that employees saw a vet kicking and punching his pet Rottweiler before it died. The bereaved owner, 58-year-old Rafael Lopez, began sobbing when he learned of the allegations against the doctor, John Morehead. "They are more [like] animals than the animals in there," he said of the ASPCA.
When Lopez’s beloved 10-year-old canine fell ill three years ago, he took it to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital on the Upper East Side. "He was my baby," he told the Daily News. "I brought the dog there thinking they would save my dog. I killed him by taking him there." When Bullet died Lopez buried his departed pet in the Bronx’s Highbridge Park—but the saga was far from over. A few days later ASPCA investigators demanded to see the corpse, telling Lopez that someone at the hospital “was killing dogs.” They took Bullet's body in for examination but never returned it and never revealed the cause of death. "We always believed there was a coverup [by the ASPCA]," said Lopez's lawyer George Dazzo.
Now three hospital employees have come forward saying they saw Morehead kick the sick animal hard before it died—one claims he punched the dog when it moved at him. Morehead dismissed the charges: "You may know more about this than I do," said the vet, who now works at Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital in Park Slope. He wouldn’t comment on why he left the ASPCA.
Did Animal Kind Vet Kick and Punch Dying Dog?????
WTF?
"no comment" is simply not acceptable:
http://gothamist.com/2010/01/31/aspca_doc_kicked_dying_dog_colleagu.php
A Bronx man who filed a lawsuit demanding clarification of the mysterious circumstances of his dog’s death at an ASPCA hospital received word recently that employees saw a vet kicking and punching his pet Rottweiler before it died. The bereaved owner, 58-year-old Rafael Lopez, began sobbing when he learned of the allegations against the doctor, John Morehead. "They are more [like] animals than the animals in there," he said of the ASPCA.
When Lopez’s beloved 10-year-old canine fell ill three years ago, he took it to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital on the Upper East Side. "He was my baby," he told the Daily News. "I brought the dog there thinking they would save my dog. I killed him by taking him there." When Bullet died Lopez buried his departed pet in the Bronx’s Highbridge Park—but the saga was far from over. A few days later ASPCA investigators demanded to see the corpse, telling Lopez that someone at the hospital “was killing dogs.” They took Bullet's body in for examination but never returned it and never revealed the cause of death. "We always believed there was a coverup [by the ASPCA]," said Lopez's lawyer George Dazzo.
Now three hospital employees have come forward saying they saw Morehead kick the sick animal hard before it died—one claims he punched the dog when it moved at him. Morehead dismissed the charges: "You may know more about this than I do," said the vet, who now works at Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital in Park Slope. He wouldn’t comment on why he left the ASPCA.
Comments
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^ I hope Gothamist and/or somebody else follows this up to find out if it's true. If so, the guy has no business working with animals. If not, he should be offering some kind of explanation for what people claim to have seen.
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Wow. That's a serious allegation to make and give the name of the business he now works. Animal Kind, be ready for less clients...
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Wow, this is really awful. I wonder if Animal Kind will suspend the vet until they can figure this out.
We stopped going to Animal Kind because we just didn’t think our cats were getting the attention they needed. We also didn’t like the fact that we rarely were able to see the same vet twice. We had a cat who was having blockage issues related to dehydration and Animal Kind never suggested or prescribed using a home IV of water. We found out later when our cat almost died that home IVs are very common for cats who won’t drink water. -
(I've posted this on gothamist too):
The issue of caring for aggressive dogs in a medical situation has been well settled for some time. It's an issue any vet is trained to deal with, since even docile dogs can become aggressive when wounded. And I know firsthand that the doctors and staff at Bergh know how to deal with an aggressive dog without wounding him. I know how to do it myself and I typically work with healthy dogs.
If the story is true this guy has serious psychological problems - he would KNOW that punching or kicking a dog is never effective, and would only have done it out of cruelty.
It's not for nothing that Animal Kind is called by many "Animal Crimes."
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AB: I'm sure Animal Kind will suspend him (I hope!) but that doesn't really make up for them finding this sort of thing out from the media (as seems likely). A lot of people I know have had bad experiences there. And me: I'm just distrustful of any vet office that feels too much like a business. -
Folks, I posted a while ago here about my very sick cat who was dying from a number of complications (including renal failure). By far and away Dr. Morehead was the most caring vet we dealt with at Animal Kind. He went out of his way to comfort us and went to great lengths to explain what was happening to our cat and all of our options. Our cat was feisty as hell and he always handled her with care, even when she was attempting to remove his appendages. When we adopted a stray kitten this summer, we made sure we took her to Morehead for her first checkups and for when she got spayed.
Granted, I don't know all of the circumstances regarding this ASPCA story, but the guy I know is not a cruel, animal-hating human being. Maybe he reacted poorly when a pit bull attacked him to defend himself (hell, I don't know what I'd do under similar circumstances -- yes, I know I'm not a vet), but let's not jump the gun until all of the facts come out about this story. His profession is on the line and he's innocent until proven guilty. -
^ which is why I'd be very interested in hearing a response from Dr. Morehead and Animal Kind.
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And which is why I said "if the story is true."
His quote strikes me as strange though: "You may know more about this than I do," he said in a brief interview. "I don't think that I've ever mistreated an animal and I hope I never do."
Also, the Daily News article claims 3 Bergh employees witnessed him kick and punch the animal. Here's another quote: "One [employee] said Morehead punched Bullet after the dog made a sudden movement toward him during an exam." Anyone trained to work with animals would have at least one vet tech on hand to restrain the animal by the shoulders, or would attempt that move himself if a helper was unavailable. Punching an animal that could do you harm is counterproductive - you make it more likely for the animal to do harm.
Again, he's only a sadist if all these statements are true. But if they aren't true a lot of people are lying in order to destroy this man's reputation. Both things are possible in this world, sadly.
EDIT: (in case anyone is interested in the details) when I say "restrain the animal by the shoulders" I'm using shorthand. The maneuver involves being behind the animal and to one side (we're talking about a large dog in this case), draping your arms around his or her shoulders and under the armpits, and clasping your hands together while applying pressure on the chest. The pressure should be just enough to restrain the animal (keep in mind that the upper chest is a calming point for dogs), and you may need to slightly lift the front legs off of the ground. This method employs physical as well as psychological restraints.
Also, in a veterinary exam if the animal is thought to be at any risk at all of being aggressive, he or she is routinely muzzled. I know this is the practice at Bergh. -
Flexichick wrote: ^ which is why I'd be very interested in hearing a response from Dr. Morehead and Animal Kind.
I'm sure we'd all be interested in what Dr Morehead has to say - but he cannot comment on the case because he is being sued.
BTW I personally know John and I agree w/Shineybeast, he's a gentle person and does not have any weird temper or 'psychological problems' as a hunter.gatherer postulates.
The Daily News article is sensationalist, not that I blame them. Their job is to sell newspapers. But read everything it says. John reacted when the rottweiler lunged at him. This incident was investigated when it happened 3 years ago at the ASPCA. No disciplinary charges were brought up against Dr Morehead.
-blue -
^ if (and I say "IF") the papers are correct, he did make a comment. A more effective strategy would to say he cannot comment due to ongoing litigation and to have his attorney speak on his behalf (as opposed to :"You may know more about this than I do," he said in a brief interview. "I don't think that I've ever mistreated an animal and I hope I never do," ).
On another note, I'm fairly certain (but too lazy to verify) that Rafael Lopez broke the law by burying his dog in a public park (although I was tempted to do the same with my cat's ashes a few years ago) -
Flexichick wrote: ^ if (and I say "IF") the papers are correct, he did make a comment. A more effective strategy would to say he cannot comment due to ongoing litigation and to have his attorney speak on his behalf (as opposed to :"You may know more about this than I do," he said in a brief interview. "I don't think that I've ever mistreated an animal and I hope I never do," ).
Well yes perhaps so, but Dr Morehead is not a seasoned politician. I feel for him, he's a good guy and all this speculation is so unfair. -
It's true, the papers are sensationalist, and gob bless 'em they gotta survive. But that said the DN has 3 witnesses (although 2 anonymous, one is a doc) saying he not only punched but kicked the dog. At the very least -IF TRUE- gross negligence in following standard procedures happened. AND it seems the doctor reacted to the lunge in a counterproductive manner. I also have to question what if anything the witnesses did during the incident.
That being said, I am far less than eager to engage in a witch hunt. And my sadist comment was over the top. -
I would rather get bit than kick or punch a dog, and I work with dogs for a living. Thus my visceral reaction to this story.
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bluecat wrote: [quote=Flexichick]^ which is why I'd be very interested in hearing a response from Dr. Morehead and Animal Kind.
I'm sure we'd all be interested in what Dr Morehead has to say - but he cannot comment on the case because he is being sued.
He CAN comment, and probably should. He just has to be careful with what he says. -
I am really trying to remain silent here but I just can't.
I have taken my dogs to Animal Kind for 12 years and have only good things to say about the care my pets have received.
None of my pets have been treated by Dr. Morehead but that is because (unlike the "switch a vet" care that others have described) I have only seen 3 vets there in all that time.. Dr. Gibson, Dr Matiak and Dr. Weiser. They are all excellent doctors.
That someone brought a case against this vet when he worked somewhere else is only within that person's rights. To condemn on an open forum like this, with information that has been read on yet another internet source, is something I can't get with.
What I do know as a fact is Dr. Gibson is the one who hires at this facility and in my opinion his choices have been excellent. Sometimes doctors come and are gone shortly but, that is because they don't work out at AK.
It is a "team player" scene, just the same way as continuity of care happens at the best teaching hospitals for humans. If Dr. Morehead is still working there then this person not only had top of the line credentials coming in but has fit in to the quality of care this practice demands. I know there are internal "reviews" on doctors at AK and the ones that don't make it are told to leave. Out there are probab;y many people who can tell a story about how their pet received excellent treatment at AK with Dr. Morehead.
As is the right of the owner who brought the case to have the venue to bring this case forth... it should be the right of the accused to defend against it..... and it is withing the "case" and not on the internet.
At this point in time Dr. Morehead cannot discuss this case here or anywhere else. Though that is to her own benefit ..it is also to the principle that there will be ultimate justice in resolution of this case. That idea is not hard to understand.
Sheesh.. for someone who was hesitant to speak about this at all I certainly said what I had to say.
The fact that if I or anyone else says more here is just out of line and fueling a fire that we have no way to put out (because it is within the legal system) really disturbs me.
Enough said! -
Dr. Morehead has done a wonderful job with our dog for years. Last year she had to undergo surgery because she cracked two back teeth by biting down on something (still don't know how she did it). We were worried as hell but he took us through it step by step and she came out great.
I find it hard to believe this story is credible. Dr. Morehead loves animals. Something isn't right here. -
I'd like to understand:
- what was found when they exhumed the dog. I don't think they'd do that lightly
- what actions did the ASPCA take when hearing the accusation by three colleagues (if the accusations were false, the colleagues should face disciplinary action(s))
- what were the circumstances of Dr. Morehead leaving the ASPCA
- was Animal Kind aware of the allegations when hiring Dr. Morehead and what is their vetting (ha) process for new hires.
While this isn't about how *I* feel, I'd feel more comfortable hearing something along the lines of "the allegations were investigated and no evidence was found of abuse or neglect. Animal Kind was aware of the allegations, did their due diligence and believed they were without merit, so they hired Dr. Morehead". -
If you look at the story, the ASPCA came to the owner to find out where he buried the dog upon hearing the allegations - the necropsy didn't show anything because the dog was too decomposed.
Now I don't go to AnimalKind but I did see Dr. Morehouse when worked at my former vet's office and I liked him a lot...I'll wait and see how this turns out before passing judgment -
^ you are right about the decomposing part. I forgot about that.
I think there is a difference between passing judgment and asking questions (although I am not sure if your comments were directed at me) -
They weren't directed at you Flexichick - just a general statement.
But I would be curious to know howAnimalKind is handling this - this is not the kind of publicity you want -
Dr. Morehead has worked here for about 3 years. He has demonstrated himself to be an exemplary and excellent veterinarian. He has never abused a patient. If he had he would have been terminated immediately. He has proven to be an animal lover through his behavior shown by the love of his own pets, his patients and their owners that call on him for veterinary care. The allegations of his kicking a dog and causing it's death which were printed in the Daily News are false. He was defending himself from an attack from a vicious Rottweiler trying to bite him. The dog died of an illness unrelated to being pushed away by Dr. Morehead. In my opinion, the story as printed is nothing more than an attempt to sensationalize a story to sell newspapers and to persuade the ASPCA into settling a lawsuit in favor of the plaintiff and lawyer representing him. I look forward to his being named as defendant in a court of law so he can be proven innocent, clear his name and reclaim his reputation.
above is from Gothamist, said to be an email from Animal Kind owner Mark Gibson.
Dr. Mark Gibson -
This sort of situation smells like bullshit to me, just because the allegations against the vet are insane.
An experienced vet, in full view of personnel at a famous veterinary hospital, one of the witnesses being another vet, punches and kicks a sick animal?
In this litgious city, in this litigious country, in a facility staffed and attended but nothing but the most intense animal-loving people on the planet - this experienced doctor just for shit and giggles abuses an animal in broad daylight and in front of witnesses?
I'm not saying horrible abuse of animals doesn't happen, or that there aren't bad vets out there but that a crime this blatant and stupid in front of witnesses
seems unlikely.
If there was ever a situation where the accused gets benefit of the doubt, it's this one. -
Dr. Moorehead has been very involved in my pet's care recently, and I have nothing but good things to say about him. I have been going to Animal Kind for years and have not had any negative experiences.
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It seems that everyone I know in the Slope who has a dog or a cat has used Animal Kind from at least time to time. They are not my regular vet anymore, but I have still been there several times over the years and I value their emergency services. I am not sure what Animal Kind should do, but considering what the media is reporting, Animal Kind should do something to make customers feel safe about using their services.
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Subject: Guilty until proven innocent?
Dr. Morehead has worked here for about 3 years. He has demonstrated himself to be an exemplary and excellent veterinarian. He has never abused a patient. He has proven to be an animal lover through his behavior shown by the love of his own pets, his patients and their owners that call on him for veterinary care. The allegations of his causing a dog's death which were printed in the Daily News are false. The dog -- who was aggressive toward Dr. Morehead -- died of the illness he had when he arrived at the ASPCA. In our opinion, the story as printed is nothing more than an attempt to sensationalize a story to sell newspapers and to persuade the ASPCA into settling a lawsuit in favor of the plaintiff and lawyer representing him. We look forward to the day when he will be proven innocent, clear his name and reclaim his reputation.
Mark Gibson DVM,
Medical Director
and co-workers:
Rachel Black DVM
Laurel Frydenborg VMD
Elaine Kosik DVM
Karen Mateyak DVM
Pratikshya Patil DVM
Marcela Salas VMD
Helen Spiegel DVM
Rebecca Stronger DVM
Jodi Weiser DVM
Michelle Werner DVM -
dr gibson, i am once again impressed that you chose to come to brooklynian.com when bad accusations have been leveled against animal kind. it's always shown me that you're honest, care about your reputation, and want the people in the neighborhood to hear your side of the story. (you remain my favorite vet at AK and your animal handler is the only one who's every been able to pick up my evil harriet without her going berzerk.)
in regard to this comment re dr moorehead:Mpmav1 wrote: ...
i could be wrong but i believe that once you're represented by counsel you either can't comment, or are advised by your attorneys never to do so.
He CAN comment, and probably should. He just has to be careful with what he says. -
Wow, fantastic showing of support from Dr Morehead's colleagues at Animal Kind. Kudos.
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like veets, i love animal kind. i know there are many of us on the board who like different vets and feel strongly about them, so each of us needs to go with what makes us comfortable
except for the cat clinic down on 5th. who's now misdiagnosed three cats that i'm aware of, all of whom died. -
I'm glad to see Dr.Gibson (and colleagues) making a statement in defense of Dr. Morehead.
I have been accused of something completely false before and it sucks. I was in the process of firing and employee and she retaliated with lies.My staff was interviewed and nobody corroborated her story. I had so much documentation (written warnings, proof of crappy work, etc.) and testimony from colleagues and employees that not only was the matter dropped, but the employee in question had her attorney drop her as a client as her case had no merit.
The reason I say this is twofold - 1) being accused of something you didn't do and having to defend yourself is awful. I know this first hand. 2) I still wonder why three colleagues (including one doctor) appear to be willing to go on record with their accusations. The accusations are pretty serious and while there are some people who would definitely ruin another person's career for twisted reasons (money, vindictiveness, jealousy, whatever.....), it's a bit concerning to me that there appear to be several people who will say that this is what really happened.
I'm fortunate to have vets whom I like and trust now(after a very bad experience), but if this was my vet, I'd be following the story through to completion and I'd be asking a lot of questions. If the answers were not sufficiently enough to make me comfortable, I would find another vet. I've learned enough lessons the hard way -
I have to say (again) that I did see Dr. Morehouse in the past (not at AnimalKind) and I only had good things to say about him. And I'm glad that Dr. Gibson put out a statement - it's the right thing to do.
I was talking to a vet friend about this and he said that striking an animal is a no no - but then he added a caveat - unless the animal lunges at you. And this was a Rotweiller which is a very powerful dog (which is not to say that I think all Rotties are bad dogs - just that they're powerful) -
Subject: Animal Kind
I have had excellent experiences at Animal Kind. I think there is something fishy here and this person is out for money. The vets there and the whole staff are very loving to the pets and empathetic to the owners. The vet I have visited most often is Dr. Salas and she is fantastic and I have not seen the vet in question, but I know plenty of people who take animals there and no one has had a bad experience!!! They go way beyond the extra mile, I have had more telephone calls to my home from vets that work there than I can count. They spend a lot of time with the animals and are compassionate.
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