BRENHAM, Texas – Charges of animal cruelty against former Brenham veterinarian Kristen Lindsey were turned down by an Austin County Grand Jury this week because the Austin County District Attorney's Office said there wasn't enough proof to charge her with a crime.
KPRC 2 News first told you about the story after many of our viewers reached out to us via email, Facebook and Twitter.
In the photo posted by Lindsey, the caption reads, "my first bow kill lol. The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through its head! Vet of the year award... greatly appreciated." It's unclear when the alleged incident took place.
The Austin County Sheriff's Office conducted an animal cruelty investigation into Lindsey, then turned the case over to the Austin County District Attorney's Office.
After the picture was posted on Lindsey's Facebook page, she was fired from the Washington Animal Clinic in Brenham where she worked.
"She shouldn't have posted it," Brenham resident Bonnie McClain said.
Wednesday the grand jury said subpoenas to Facebook failed to produce evidence because the account was deleted the same day that law enforcement was notified and so they lack proof that this happened in Texas.
Around Brenham, people are generally disappointed.
"I'd say I'm one of those people," Price Winton said. "She should be fined at least."
The district attorney said the grand jury based its decision on a few things. First, killing a cat can be humane when done correctly, and there's insufficient evidence the animal was killed in a cruel manner.
Second, they said they cannot identify the cat in the picture.
Finally, they said they will leave it up to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners as to whether Lindsay retains her license.
KPRC 2 went to Lindsey's house in Brenham and was unable to reach anyone. Her former place of employment said this was out of their hands the moment they let her go.
