Horry veterinarian arrested for opioid distribution, police say. Drug was given to horses
An Horry County veterinarian has been arrested on charges related to distribution of narcotics, including falsely documenting administrating a drug to horses, according to arrest warrants from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Kelsey Shea Strickland, 40, of Nichols, was arrested Nov. 20 on four charges of violating a drug distribution law, according to online booking records.
Strickland is a veterinarian at Blue Ribbon Equine Services in Green Sea. A person answering the phone at the business Wednesday declined to comment.
Between June 14, 2021, and Sept. 14, 2023, Strickland falsely documented or failed to document obtained quantities of Butorphanol, a schedule IV narcotic controlled substance, the warrant said. From May 1, 2022, through Sept. 14, Strickland is accused of failing to maintain proper administration records for the drug.
On June 14, 2021, and March 17, 2022, Strickland, while operating as a licensed veterinarian, allegedly furnished false documentation for administration of the same drug for multiple horses, according to the warrant.
Butorphanol is an opioid medication that relieves pain and anesthesia that is often given to dogs, cats and horses.
Strickland was released from the J. Reuben Long Detention Center Nov. 21 on a $10,000 bond.
This story was originally published December 13, 2023 at 12:49 PM.
