Veterinarian Lacked License, City Alleges

A Lake View Terrace man was named in a criminal complaint alleging that he forged a veterinary medical license and resumed an illegal practice, a Los Angeles city attorney said.

George B. Shaw, 68, was the subject of an investigation by the state Department of Consumer Affairs.

Shaw was charged with practicing veterinary medicine without a license, forging a license, operating a kennel without a license, harboring unlicensed dogs, failing to have proof of rabies vaccinations and keeping animals too close to his neighbors, City Atty. Jim Hahn said.

In 1996, Shaw was sentenced to 1,000 hours of community service for animal neglect and practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

On April 10, state investigators served a search warrant at Shaw’s home and seized veterinary medicines, syringes, surgical instruments, X-ray equipment, a medical bag and an examination table.

Investigators also found invoices from an Omaha, Neb.-based vaccine company that provided the city attorney with a copy of a forged license to practice veterinary medicine that the company said it received from Shaw, Hahn said.

Shaw became the subject of an investigation after the Department of Consumer Affairs received a complaint from a licensed veterinarian that Shaw had resumed his illegal practice, Hahn said.

Hahn also filed a notice of probation violation from Shaw’s 1996 conviction and ordered him not to practice as a veterinarian or treat any animals.

Shaw is scheduled for arraignment June 16 in Van Nuys Municipal Court.

If convicted of practicing veterinary medicine without a license, Shaw could face up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. On each of the other charges, he could face six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines, according to the city attorney.