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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
An Ohio veterinarian and an associate have been indicted on multiple felony charges after authorities discovered they used a deceased dog’s name to illegally acquire controlled substances across Northeast Ohio. USA TODAY Network reported on the indictments on October 14, 2026.
Dr. Kris L. Taylor, owner of Landings Animal Hospital in Avon Lake, Ohio, allegedly schemed with co-defendant Camille Angulat-Nieto between August 10, 2024, and June 7, 2025.
According to investigators, the pair used the name “Punkin”—a dead dog—to write and fill fraudulent prescriptions for powerful medications, including oxycodone and alprazolam (the generic form of Xanax), at various pharmacies in the Cleveland area.
The suspects face a total of seven criminal counts, which include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, deception to obtain dangerous drugs, illegal processing of drug documents, and drug possession charges relating to oxycodone and alprazolam.
Dr. Taylor was arrested in early October 2026 and subsequently released after posting a $500,000 cash or surety bond. Court appearances began on October 8, with further hearings scheduled through mid-to-late October.
My thoughts:
- Abusing professional veterinary licensing to divert controlled substances undermines public trust in medical professionals and diverts regulated painkillers into illicit channels.
- Utilizing the identities of deceased animals for prescription fraud highlights gaps in pharmacy-veterinary oversight regarding controlled substance tracking.
- High-profile indictments involving licensed professionals reinforce the necessity of strict prescription monitoring programs across medical and veterinary fields alike.
Source: USA TODAY Network and Cleveland 19
