Former Creal Springs vet sentenced

Former veterinarian Elisa Kirkpatrick avoided jail Friday, sentenced to probation in her animal cruelty case.

Kirkpatrick was convicted in July of practicing veterinary medicine without a valid license, felony aggravated cruel treatment of an animal and other charges.

The former Creal Springs woman became emotional while speaking before the court, saying she was sorry she failed to change the address on her license. She said she had been "actively trying to solve problems" before "spiraling events." She also apologized to her friends, family and patients.

Her attorney, John Clemons, had asked for a new trial, arguing prosecutors didn't prove she had intentionally harmed her animal patients.

But Judge Brian Lewis said Kirkpatrick operated on animals in a "horribly, horribly unsterile environment."

"She chose to operate…and had to know the outcome," Lewis said. He denied the motion for a new trial.

Assistant State's Attorney Joe Cervantez asked for a total of 180 days in the Williamson County Jail, mental health treatment, a court order barring her from being around animals through the time of her probation, and a $5,000 fine, among other things.

Instead, Kirkpatrick will serve no jail time, and will pay no fine.

She has also been sentenced to two years of probation and is required to pay all standard courtroom fees.

Because Kirkpatrick lives in Christopher with her mother who owns multiple dogs and a cat, Lewis also denied the suggestion of no contact with animals in her residence.

"This has been a very, very sad case," Lewis said. "When you are a professional, you have a higher responsibility…(Kirkpatrick's) included not practicing without a license."

Immediately after the hearing, Kirkpatrick reported to the probation office in the courthouse.

"I think the sentence was clear…that was essentially our recommendation (to the court)," Clemons said after the hearing.

Prosecutors expressed some disappointment.

"Obviously, given the gruesome crimes that occurred, we are disappointed," Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti said. He said prosecutors felt that "some kind of monitoring…animal restriction" should have been implemented.

"We are disappointed…we believe that some jail time should have been in order," Zanotti said. "Part of why people go to jail in our society … it's a deterrent effect. It sends

a signal that certain things will not be tolerated, and there will be consequences for your actions."