Local News in Brief : Veterinarian May Lose His License

State authorities are seeking to revoke the license of a Newhall veterinarian who allegedly choked and beat animals under his care.

James Edward Bullock also is accused in a complaint filed by state Atty. Gen. John K. Van de Kamp of providing negligent care that resulted in misdiagnoses and, in one instance, the death of a dachshund that never awakened after it was anesthetized to have its teeth cleaned.

Gary H. Hill, executive officer of the state Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine,said pet owners have complained about Bullock’s treatment of animals for nine years. Earlier allegations of unprofessional behavior and care prompted an administrative law judge to suspend Bullock’s license for 45 days and to place him on five years’ probation in 1984, Hill said.

Bullock, a veterinarian since 1972, who once treated horses in Morocco during filming of “The Return of the Black Stallion,” refused to comment on most of the allegations Tuesday. But he called the allegations of abuse “totally false,” blaming them on disgruntled former employees who were fired for poor performance or stealing on the job.