Possible New Charges Against Ex-PETA Employee, Assistant [View All]

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=3557732&nav=23iibn6m

North Carolina Officials Look at Possible New Charges Against Ex-PETA Employee, Assistant

WAVY News 10 has learned North Carolina officials may consider more charges against two people associated with the Norfolk-based People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals.

10 On Your Side broke the story of Adria Hinkle and Andrew Cook facing charges of animal cruelty and illegal dumping of animal remains last month.

Now, police in Ahoskie, N.C., are trying to figure out if the animals in the case were euthanized. If so, it could mean more problems for PETA.

PETA has been very open about it's work in North Carolina. Its programs includes euthanizing animals it considers to be unadoptable.

But WAVY News 10 has learned only licensed veterinarians can euthanize under North Carolina law, and officials there say Hinkle and Cook are not licensed vets.

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If it's euthanasia, then two PETA employees have a problem because according to Roberts, "they were basically practicing veterinary medicine without a license," which is against North Carolina state law.
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"We're investigating the possibility they were euthanized," says Roberts.

Detective Roberts says a recent autopsy on a dog found in the dumpster could point to that.

"The doctor said there was a puncture wound in the vein in the dogs right front paw."
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