Indiana vet accused of abusing animals closes her practice

GRANGER, Ind. (AP) - A northern Indiana veterinarian accused of abusing animals in her care has closed her practice as she maintains her innocence.

The state's attorney general last year filed a civil complaint with the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners against the veterinary license of Jennifer Perusek of the Animal Clinic in Granger.

The complaint alleges Perusek routinely engaged in a pattern of kicking, hitting, slamming, dragging and choking animals from 2012 to 2016. It also alleges Perusek sedated dogs without their owners' permission and used shock bark collars on dogs that gave the animals burns and wounds.

The South Bend Tribune reports the closure took effect Friday. Perusek's lawyer, John Kuehn, says in a statement the allegations are "baseless."

She's scheduled to face the state veterinary board for a June hearing.

___

Information from: South Bend Tribune, http://www.southbendtribune.com