DVM faces AVMA probe into chipper euthanasia

Schaumburg, Ill.-The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Judicial Council is investigating whether a member of the group's Animal Welfare Committee lied when he denied authorizing the euthanasia of more than 30,000 live hens via a commercial wood chipper.

At presstime, the Judicial Council awaits a statement from poultry consultant Gregg Cutler, DVM, concerning a February 2003 incident at an Escondido, Calif., ranch where authorities claim the veterinarian supervised fowl depopulation. Cutler faces losing his AVMA membership if it's found he misled group officials to believe he was an innocent victim of media fervor when reports surfaced of the event last spring. AVMA officials, outspoken against the use of wood chippers for euthanasia, initially backed Cutler by publicly claiming the allegations against him "erroneous."

Dr. Bruce Little

"He claimed to not be a part of this so we took him at his word," Executive Vice President Bruce Little says. "We're determining if we can find factual information to see if he breached ethical standards and the Veterinarian's Oath."

Weighing the evidence

Reports released by the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services might not help the veterinarian's case.

During the agency's initial interview, Cutler proclaims wood chipper euthanasia as "…it's quick, it's painless, and it's over in seconds." The clearly agitated veterinarian also identifies himself as "Emperor of the World" when his credentials are questioned, records show.

In an interview with DVM Newsmagazine, Cutler refused to state whether he believes wood chipper euthanasia is humane and called the charges against him "ridiculous."

"I don't want to express my opinion anymore," Cutler says. "I wasn't there when the euthanasia was done, I didn't advise anyone to do it. I don't want to discuss this anymore. This thing has got to die."

Feeling the heat

That's not likely to happen anytime soon. Since the animal control agency's report went public, AVMA has been inundated with phone calls and e-mails from activists demanding repercussions against Cutler, Little says.

Virginia-based United Poultry Concerns requests Cutler's removal from the Animal Welfare Committee. That's not necessary, Little says, considering the committee focuses only on companion animals.

"We'll gather the information and give it to the Judicial Council for review," he says. "If, in fact, there's a problem, then there's an opportunity for a hearing and for the member to defend himself. The rules for disciplinary procedure create due process for our members. We're going to weigh it all."

State turns away

The Judicial Council likely will consider a move by the California Attorney General's office to decline pressing cruelty charges against Cutler on grounds the Federal Animal Welfare Act does not cover animals in production agriculture. At presstime, it was unclear whether the California Veterinary Medical Board plans to look into the case.

These actions bode well for Cutler, who views the Judicial Council's inquiry as "a temporary distraction."

"I think the AVMA will handle this in due course," he says. "The report was biased, and I think they'll see that. It's not worth the effort for me to talk about this anymore. I shouldn't be involved in this."