ASBVME ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING REPORT The ASBVMEs previously announced administrative hearings took place Monday and Tuesday. Although the notices posted by the ASBVME stated that the hearings would begin at 8:30 am each day, the start of both days of hearings was delayed until 9:30 am, apparently so that the boards attorney, Mark Montiel, could conduct his daily talk radio show that runs from 7 am until 9 am Monday through Friday in Montgomery. Mondays hearing is reported to have lasted until around 5 pm, with veterinarian Dr. William Weber being the only person called before the board to give testimony. The staff of Alabama Spay/Neuter Clinic were subpoenaed to provide testimony but were not called to be part of the proceedings or allowed to hear testimony. Members of the public, however, were allowed to attend and observe the hearings both days. Board member Dr. Robert Pitman recused himself from participation in the hearing and board member Dr. Ronald Welch assumed the role of the boards investigating officer, sitting beside and conferring with the boards attorney both days. That left the six remaining members of the board to hear testimony. ASBVME board member Dr. Sam Eidt presided over the hearing. Board attorney Montiel conducted the questioning of Dr. Weber both days which, at times, was heated. The second day of hearings on Tuesday began at 9:30 am with the continuation of questioning of Dr. Weber by attorney Montiel. The presence of the spay/neuter clinic staff was again required and the staff was once again excluded from observing the proceedings. The Tuesday hearing was suspended around noon. There was discussion of the need for the attorneys for both sides to attend a 2pm hearing in Montgomery Circuit Court. The board decided to suspend the hearing until a later date and stated that they would post notice of the date and time when the administrative hearing would be reconvened. The required attendance of the spay/neuter clinic staff resulted in the cancellation of all surgeries at the clinic on Monday and Tuesday. It is assumed that the staff will again be required to be present and available for questioning and testimony when the ASBVME reconvenes the hearing. For anyone with an interest in observing, the hearings ARE open to the public. They are held in the 4th floor auditorium of the same building where the ASBVMEs 9th floor offices are located at 8 Commerce Street in Montgomery.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:43:37 +0000
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