Brazos County Jury Convicts Former A&M Veterinarian of Animal Cruelty in Horse Death Case

Brazos County Jury Finds Former A&M Veterinarian Guilty of Animal Cruelty

BRYAN, Texas – In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community and the veterinary profession, a former Texas A&M University veterinarian has been convicted of livestock cruelty by a Brazos County jury. Ashlee Watts, who was previously an associate professor, now faces serious consequences following the unfortunate events that led to the death of a horse named Allie.

The Heartbreaking Incident

The case dates back to a tragedy that occurred in December 2019 at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Allie, a 16-year-old mare, was under Watts’s care after being brought in by her owner to treat an infection in her hoof. However, after being sedated for the procedure, Allie was unable to stand, and this is where matters took a dire turn.

In an attempt to get Allie on her feet, Watts reportedly resorted to using a cattle prod excessively, shocking the mare multiple times in various places, including her neck, sides, and even her mouth. Surveillance footage from the room captured this horrific treatment, which many witnesses described as “prolonging the inevitable in the worst way possible.”

Further Investigation

After the incident, a concerned veterinary technician filed a complaint with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, leading to an investigation that culminated in Watts being indicted in October 2021. The trial, which started on September 16, 2023, ended on October 2 with the jury deliberating for less than an hour before convicting Watts.

“It’s about holding professionals accountable for the care they’re supposed to provide,” said Allie’s owner, Scott Berry, who attended the trial. He emphasized the importance of ethical treatment of animals, whether by veterinarians or everyday people.

Watts’s Sentencing and Impact on the Community

Watts has been found guilty of a state jail felony offense, facing a punishment that could include a fine up to $10,000 or up to two years in state jail. Her sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2023, and it is expected to be a significant moment for not only the local and veterinary community but also for animal rights advocates.

Texas A&M’s Commitment to Animal Welfare

In response to the verdict, a spokesperson from Texas A&M University emphasized that the school holds high standards for animal care. “Texas A&M does not permit the use of cattle prods on horses,” the spokesperson noted, highlighting that this incident does not represent the care given to the nearly 27,000 animals that visit the university’s veterinary facilities each year. They also mentioned that administrative actions had been taken in accordance with university policies and state regulations.

A Deeply Troubling Case

John August, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, expressed his concern over the situation, stating that this case has been distressing for faculty, students, and the public alike. “The incident is not representative of the dedication we consistently strive to maintain in our animal care,” he added.

As Texas A&M moves forward, this heart-wrenching case serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities that come with caring for animals, highlighting the need for compassionate and ethical treatment across all veterinary practices. We hope that the lessons learned from this incident will lead to greater awareness and changes in how animals are treated in clinical settings.