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SAGINAW, MI — A local veterinarian is suing Saginaw County and the director of Animal Care & Control, alleging they publicly defamed him when he reported illegal euthanasia. Beyond that, he’s claiming the shelter director allowed a dog to endure a broken leg for months, rejecting his offer to address the injury out of spite.
Attorney Kevin J. Kelly with Saginaw’s Mastromarco firm on Friday, May 2, filed the suit on behalf of Dr. Joseph Kline and his practice, Erwin’s Veterinary Clinic in St. Charles, in U.S. District Court. Named as defendants are Saginaw County and Animal Care & Control Director Rachel Horton.
Ironically, the suit comes just days after the shelter hosted a grand opening for its state-of-the-art Surgical Center in Kochville Township.
Click here to read the entire lawsuit.
Euthanasia and defamation
Kline, 73, a veterinarian since May 1994, has volunteered his services to Animal Control for years, providing euthanasia training, assisting in vaccination events, and giving veterinary care.
Animal Control in 2019 solicited Kline to become its veterinarian of record and contracted him through his clinic. Most recently, Kline in July 2023 signed a one-year professional service agreement with the county, agreeing to provide services on a regular and as-needed basis.
Animal Control’s then-director, Bonnie Kanicki, retired in January 2024 and the county hired Horton as her replacement. That summer, Kline discussed...
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