AAEP Statement About Federal Charges Against Veterinarians in Penn National Investigation

American Association of Equine Practitioners President G. Kent Carter, DVM, today issued the following statement in response to the announcement of federal charges filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against four veterinarians:

“We are disappointed to learn of the allegations against four AAEP members involved in treating Thoroughbred racehorses at Penn National Race Track. We are not privy to the details of the allegations beyond what has been reported in the press.

“Ethical practice is a necessary requirement in all aspects of veterinary medicine. All veterinarians are expected to follow the American Veterinary Medical Association Code of Ethics, the ethics code of their state veterinary medical association, and all rules and regulations of horse racing that apply at the racetracks where practicing.

“The health and welfare of the horse can only be protected when veterinarians abide by the ethical code that we are bound to as part of veterinary medicine. It is paramount that AAEP members and all veterinarians practicing at the racetrack adhere to the highest ethical standards in order to protect the racehorse and the integrity of the sport.”

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse.  Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.