Elisa Kirkpatrick was found guilty in July of aggravated animal cruelty and practicing without a license.
Kirkpatrick had been performing surgeries on animals in her home without a license.
She also had 60 animals in her home which investigators say were living in unsanitary conditions.
On Friday, she was sentenced to two years probation and no jail time.
She must also undergo a mental health evaluation with counseling, and must pay court fees.
The judge also said she will be allowed to have pets.
Williamson County State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti says he respects the judge’s decision, but he had hoped to see harsher punishment enforced for what he calls a gruesome, unprecedented animal cruelty case.
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| Photos: Richard Sitler, The Southern |
"But, obviously, given the gruesome crimes that occurred and what happened, we are disappointed," Zanotti said. The state asked for six months of jail time, a $5,000 fine, court costs, and a probation period that would prevent her from owning pets, living in a home with pets or working with animals. Zanotti said it was jail time that he thought was most deserved in the case.
"We believe that some jail time would have been in order. You know, part of why people go to jail in our society, in our system, it's a deterrent effect. It sends a signal that certain things won't be tolerated and there are consequences for your actions," he said.
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| Photos: Richard Sitler, The Southern |
The judge found Kirkpatrick guilty on 11 counts during her trial, including a felony for aggravated cruel treatment of an animal. She was also found guilty of practicing veterinary medicine without a license, which was suspended at the time and failure to perform onerous duties, which is part of the animal cruelty act.
Kirkpatrick has 30 days to appeal the sentence.
(WPSD - Sept 9, 2016)
Earlier:
- Illinois: Sixty-two animals found hoarded in veterinarian's home
- Illinois: "Friends plead for help for former Creal Springs vet" -- Why didn't any of these so-called friends do something before now about the animals suffering and dying?
- Illinois: Trial underway for longtime veterinarian Elisa Kirkpatrick facing animal cruelty charges
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