Indiana Suspends Vet Russell for 20 Years

An Indiana veterinarian charged with administering cobalt to a horse before a race and several other offenses was suspended for 20 years and fined $20,000 by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.

The Indianapolis Star reports that the recommended suspension of veterinarian Ross Russell is the longest in the state from a single investigation. The penalties were in line with the recommendation of IHRC executive director Joe Gorajec in a 38-page report.

That report alleged Russell knowingly dispensed unauthorized drugs on race day.

Download the IHRC executive summary and administrative complaint here.

"Dr. Ross Russell is a veterinarian whose ethical compass is broken. He embodies the worst stereotypes of a racetrack practitioner," the report said. "Dr. Russell is willing, if not eager, to knowingly dispense unauthorized drugs and loaded syringes for illicit race-day administration. He will take extraordinary steps to protect his practice, no matter how unethical.

"Dr. Russell has had treatment records and billing statements altered. He has ineptly attempted to blame a former employee for his wrongdoing. In addition, he has lied to the commission staff multiple times during the course of its investigation."

Russell's attorney told the Star that the vet plans to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Russell told the paper the complaint relies heavily on an employee that Russell fired.