Lakeland Woman Practiced Veterinary Medicine Without License: Polk County Sheriff

LAKELAND, FL — A Lakeland woman faces multiple charges after an investigation into an intercepted package of Xylazine led to the discovery of alleged unlicensed veterinary practice and animal neglect, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Ashley Wimbrow, 35, was arrested Thursday after a search warrant was executed at her home on North Socrum Loop Road.

Deputies received information about a package containing Xylazine, a veterinary sedative known as “tranq,” which had been intercepted by U.S. Customs in New York, the sheriff’s office said. The package, shipped from India, was addressed to Wimbrow's home in unincorporated Lakeland.

Detectives found eight boxes labeled “Xylaxine” containing 240 grams of liquid Xylazine in the shipment.

Wimbrow told detectives that she was involved in dog breeding and used the Xylazine to perform surgical procedures on dogs for monetary compensation, the sheriff’s office said.

She explained that she used the substance to sedate dogs for procedures like tail docking and ear cropping, stating she had been doing so for about one year, investigators added.

Wimbrow admitted to deputies that she did not possess a license to practice veterinary medicine and stated she was unaware one was required by the state. Deputies confirmed she did not have a veterinary license.

Inside the home, deputies located five “pocket bully” dogs in uncleaned crates containing feces and urine, noting a strong ammonia odor in the room, the sheriff’s office said.

Wimbrow signed a form transferring custody of the dogs to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The dogs were brought to Polk County Animal Control for medical evaluation and will be made available for adoption through a reputable animal rescue organization.

There was no evidence to suggest the dogs were involved in dogfighting, PCSO said.

Wimbrow was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, animal neglect and practicing veterinary medicine in Florida without a valid license.

“Fortunately, we found no evidence of ‘tranq/fentanyl’ trafficking. Unfortunately, we discovered that animals were being subject to unsafe surgeries and dogs were being confined in an unhealthy environment,” Sheriff Grady Judd said. “No one should be performing medical procedures on animals without proper training or licensing.”

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