Texas veterinarian fired, under investigation after bragging about killing cat with bow and arrow

Austin County veterinarian Dr. Kristen Lindsey has reportedly been fired from the animal clinic at which she works after allegedly posting this photo to her Facebook page of a dead cat she reportedly shot with an arrow. less Austin County veterinarian Dr. Kristen Lindsey has reportedly been fired from the animal clinic at which she works after allegedly posting this photo to her Facebook page of a dead cat she reportedly shot with ... more Image 1 of / 63 Caption Close Texas veterinarian fired, under investigation after bragging about killing cat with bow and arrow 1 / 63 Back to Gallery

A Texas veterinarian is under investigation after bragging about killing a cat with a bow and arrow and posing with the dead animal in a photo posted to Facebook.

Kristen Lindsey has been fired from her position as a veterinarian at the Washington Animal Clinic in Brenham, KBTX Media reported Friday.

Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes said in a phone interview Friday that his office has received numerous complaints about the photo. Sheriff's deputies are currently investigating the area where they believe the photo was taken and conducting interviews with possible witnesses, including Lindsey, Brandes said.

"This is a very disturbing photograph," Brandes said. "I think it's something our society can do without."

When asked whether deputies will attempt to locate the dead cat's body, Brandes said, "We're looking for any and all physical evidence."

Brandes said the veterinarian has not been charged.

The photo — shared by Texas Animal Cruelty Laws — drew outrage on social media and prompted calls to local law enforcement agencies and animal control, the news station reported. It shows Lindsey smiling while the cat hangs from the arrow.

"My first bow kill, lol. The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through it's [sic] head! Vet of the year award ... Gladly accepted," Lindsey wrote on the post.

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True Blue Animal Rescue in Brenham told KBTX that the cat was one of their foster cats, not feral.

The Texas Penal Code states that killing a cat, feral or not, can lead to felony charges with the offender has previously been convicted of cruelty to nonlivestock animals, a Class A misdemeanor.

Lindsey's Facebook page has since been deleted. Calls to a phone number listed for the clinic were unanswered.

According to KBTX, Lindsey said in comments on post that she wouldn't be fired, "no I did not lose my job. Lol. Like someone would get rid of me. I'm awesome!"

Lindsey could face animal abuse charges.

jfechter@mySA.com

Twitter: @JFreports