Veterinarian who Killed a Cat with a Bow and Arrow Loses in Court Again

In 2015, Kristen Lindsey made national headlines after she killed a cat who had wandered onto her property with a bow and arrow and then posted on social media bragging about it. Lindsey posted a photo on Facebook of her smiling and holding the cat on the end of her bow and said, “My first bow kill lol. The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through its [sic] head! Vet of the year award…gladly accepted.”

Lindsey tried to excuse her cruel behavior by claiming she thought the cat she killed was a feral cat. The cat is actually believed to be her neighbor’s companion animal named Tiger. Regardless of whether the cat was owned or feral, Lindsey’s actions are inexcusable- especially as a veterinarian who is supposed to save animals. Feline expert and Texas veterinarian Dr. William Folger even testified that Tiger appeared to still be alive after he was shot in the head and was used for the photo
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Thankfully the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners’ also became concerned with her actions and revoked her veterinary license. The Board revoked her license for five years, disallowing her from practicing for the first year. After that, she could practice under supervision and would need to complete continuing education in animal welfare classes. This punishment was a good start but not enough for a person who has proven that they do not have the compassion or judgement needed to properly care for animals.

After a long legal battle and multiple appeals from Lindsey, the Texas Third Court of Appeals ruled against her in two separate appeal cases last week stating that they disagree with Lindsey’s challenges to the Board’s authority to seek disciplinary action and her challenges to findings in the case. Lindsey’s veterinary license will stay revoked.
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Alley Cat Rescue is happy that Tiger is receiving the justice he deserves. This poor cat had to die in a barbaric and painful manner just for a few social media likes. We hope this case illustrates just how cruel eradication methods against feral cats can be, especially when people decide to take actions into their own hands.

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