GREEN SEA, S.C. — A local veterinarian, who faced allegations of mismanaging veterinary drugs, has been directed to undergo a rehabilitative program, instead of facing jail time, marking a significant development in a case spotlighting prescription drug management among veterinarians.
Kelsey Strickland, proprietor of Blue Ribbon Equine Services, was implicated by South Carolina authorities in November for improper handling of Butorphanol – a controlled narcotic commonly used for pain management in horses. Strickland was charged with acquiring significant amounts of the drug and inaccurately recording or neglecting to maintain proper records for its use, affecting multiple horses owned by two clients from mid-2021 to September 2023.
The 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office pointed out that under the terms of her participation in Treatment Court, Strickland is now obliged to comply with several conditions. These include attending at least two therapy sessions weekly, adhering to a defined curfew, maintaining consistent full-time employment, and undergoing frequent drug and alcohol tests – as many as three times per week.
If Strickshop successfully completes the treatment court program, which is expected to last between nine to twelve months, her sentence will be deemed fulfilled. However, failing to meet the program’s requirements could reactivate her original sentence. According to public records, this sentence would entail a three-year prison term.
This case underscores the broader issues of drug management and ethical conduct within the veterinary community. According to industry experts, such incidents can severely undermine public trust in veterinary professionals and highlight the need for stringent regulatory oversight in the prescribing and handling of veterinary medications.
Veterinary professionals are typically governed by both state and federal regulations designed to prevent misuse of drugs, especially those with potential for abuse. The enforcement of these regulations is vital to ensure that veterinarians use their prescribing powers appropriately.
While the outcome of Strickland’s participation in Treatment Court is yet to be determined, the case serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities that come with the management of veterinary medicines, and the serious legal and professional consequences of failing to meet these obligations.
To safeguard against similar occurrences, it may be beneficial for veterinary practices to implement more robust auditing and training programs. These programs could focus on ensuring compliance with documentation and drug handling standards, thereby fostering greater accountability and adherence to ethical practices in the industry.
As this story continues to unfold, it will be of keen interest not only to the local community but also to the broader veterinary and legislative sectors, who are grappling with the challenges of drug abuse and regulation within the industry.