Charles Extrand, Former Vet For Puppy Mill, Surrenders License
    Animal Welfare Advocates in MN Suggest Other Vets Should Take Notice

    In an announcement from the Minnesota Veterinary Board it was learned that the veterinarian for Gary McDuffee, a controversial puppy mill operator in Minnesota, has voluntarily surrendered his license in order to avoid further legal action by the Board. Extrands troubles, according to the report, were directly connected to his services to "dog breeders" in Minnesota.

    Extrand, in addition to providing veterinary services to McDuffee, provided key written testimony in a series of legal cases against Gary McDuffee. Neighbors to McDuffee challenged the granting of his Conditional Use Permit by Morrison County. The case made it all the way to the Minnesota Court of Appeals twice.

    In the end, McDuffee prevailed. However, the various legal troubles shed light on Extrand, whose written statements about McDuffee's operation are thought by many to have been the key factor swaying the court in McDuffee's favor.

    Some believe this new revelation could open the McDuffee case to possible Supreme Court review.

    At the same time, animal welfare advocates in the state are suggesting this case could set precedent for taking the licenses of other veterinarians supporting puppy mills in Minnesota.

    Mike Fry, executive director of Animal Ark, one of Minnesota's leading authorities on puppy mills said, "I believe that the evidence against Extrand is nothing compared to the evidence against the vet for Kathy Bauck."

    Fry added, "Veterinarians who support this dirty industry by falsifying records, or by failing to record relevant information about their clients, should take this as notice: Your days are numbered."
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    Comments from readers:
    On 05/20/2009 April Johnson said: Thank you Mike Fry and all

    Thank you, Mike Fry, Animal Ark and all who work so hard to raise awareness about puppy [mill] breeders. I am always so shocked to learn of the horrible conditions these sweet dogs live in just so greedy humans can make (dirty) money from the puppies. God bless you all for your work and patience!