Texas Board Punishes Vet for Giving Free Internet Advice

He sues, defending his First Amendment rights

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners unconstitutionally suspended a 69-year-old veterinarian for giving free advice on the Internet, the longtime vet claims in Federal Court.

Ronald V. Hines, D.V.M., sued the nine members of the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in Federal Court.

He challenges their rule that bars him from giving advice to owners via his website without first physically examining their pets.