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Vet gets probation in dog's death
Colleyville man also ordered to undergo anger counseling
FORT WORTH, Texas -- A judge ordered a Colleyville veterinarian who bludgeoned his neighbor's dog to
death to undergo anger control counseling.
At a hearing Friday, Judge C.C. "Kit" Cooke suspended a one-year jail sentence
for Mircea Volosen's felony animal-cruelty conviction and ordered him to serve
two years' probation. He also must perform 200 hours of community service or
donate $2,500 to the Humane Society of North Texas.
Judge Cooke required that Dr. Volosen, 45, undergo counseling, saying that he
lost his temper in the incident.
He had faced up to two years in prison
and a $10,000 fine.
The trial stemmed from a July 4, 2003, incident in
which Kevin and Michelle Ball's miniature dachshund found her way into Dr.
Volosen's chicken coop. Dr. Volosen's attorneys argued he was trying to defend
his animals -- wielding a log-splitting tool -- but the Balls said their dog
Ginger was walking back to her owners when the veterinarian attacked
her.
Dr. Volosen showed no reaction during judge's comments in a
courtroom packed with his friends and family members.
Mick Meyer, one of
Dr. Volosen's attorneys, declined to comment because the case is under
appeal.
Assistant District Attorney Walt Junker supported the judge's
sentencing and said he was confident the verdict will stand up under
appeal.
Supporters of Dr. Volosen defended a man they called a "true
humanitarian."
"He is a good man," said former neighbor Caryn
Hutchinson. "He loves animals, all kinds."
Mrs. Ball agreed with the
judge's ruling.
"I wanted him to receive some kind of punishment," she
said. "I'm really happy that he's getting some treatment, especially the anger
management. If he had gone to jail, I think he would have come out more angry
than he is now."
She said her new dog Buddy, a golden retriever, has
given her husband and three daughters solace after the incident.
It's
unclear whether Dr. Volosen will lose his license to practice veterinary
medicine.
Ron Allen, executive director for the Texas State Board of
Veterinary Medical Examiners, said the board will investigate once appeals have
been exhausted.
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