CAUTION: This article covers the sensitive topic of animal euthanasia and potential abuse that may disturb some readers.
Calhoun County, AL – The second day of testimony continued as the prosecution, led by District Attorney Lynn Hammond, presented evidence against Chris Westmoreland, the former director of the Calhoun County Animal Shelter.
The first witness, John McCall, Assistant Director for the Alabama Veterinary Board and custodian of records, explained what a Registered Animal Euthanasia Facility (RAEF) is and the certification process required. McCall testified that there are approximately 26 RAEFs in Alabama and that facilities undergo annual inspections once approved. He stated that each facility must have at least one Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET), who must complete mandatory training on proper and humane administration of euthanasia solutions. Additionally, a licensed veterinarian must be on staff to meet requirements related to drug purchases and vaccinations.
McCall also presented documentation, including certificates, inspection records, and permits, showing that the defendant signed the necessary paperwork and had secured a CET from 2019 through 2022. During cross-examination by defense attorney Billy Jackson, McCall confirmed that only a licensed veterinarian is permitted to administer rabies vaccinations.
The next witness, Dr. Sandra Foster of Veterinary Management Solutions, who holds a Ph.D. in public health, testified that she is part of one of only two organizations in Alabama authorized to teach the CET certification course. She explained that the course spans two days and covers laws, safe handling of euthanasia solutions, and proper administration techniques. Students must pass tests with a score of at least 70% and submit proof of completion to the state Veterinary Board to receive certification.
Dr. Foster outlined the accepted methods of euthanasia taught in the course. The most common method is intravenous (IV), where a sedative and euthanasia solution are administered through a vein. Another method is the peritoneal injection, administered below the rib cage into the abdomen. The third method, known as an intracardiac injection or “heart stick,” is recommended only as a last resort and must only be performed on an animal that is fully sedated and unconscious. During cross-examination, Dr. Foster also discussed “compassion fatigue,” a condition that can affect individuals working in environments where euthanasia is performed frequently.
Dr. Roy Morring, the licensed veterinarian associated with the shelter during Westmoreland’s tenure, was then called to testify. Before the jury returned, Judge Weems informed Dr. Morring of his right against self-incrimination. Morring agreed to testify but indicated there may be questions he would not answer.
During his testimony, Dr. Morring stated he has been a veterinarian for 35 years and has operated a practice in Hanceville for the past 20 years. He testified that he did not teach Westmoreland how to perform a heart stick without anesthesia. When asked whether non-veterinarians could administer rabies vaccinations and whether he followed Alabama Veterinary Board rules, Morring invoked his Fifth Amendment right and declined to answer.
During cross-examination, Morring stated he has known Westmoreland professionally for about 10 years. He also testified that he believes the intracardiac method can be more humane when performed correctly, noting it can result in death within seconds, but emphasized that it must be performed with anesthesia.
The state then called Amanda Hill, who testified that Westmoreland performed a heart stick on an animal without anesthesia and allegedly stated, “This is how I do it, just don’t tell anyone.” Hill further testified that Westmoreland instructed her on performing the procedure and assigned her animals to euthanize despite her not being licensed. She described witnessing dogs that did not immediately lose consciousness, with some continuing to move or experiencing labored breathing before death.
The court briefly removed the jury so Hill could be advised of her right against self-incrimination. She chose to continue testifying and stated that she also administered rabies vaccinations at Westmoreland’s direction. When asked by the defense why she did not report the conduct after learning proper procedures, Hill responded that she did not because she was afraid.
Assistant District Attorney Alan Dees then called Nicholas Clanton, a certified euthanasia technician and former animal control officer. Clanton testified that he observed approximately three to five heart stick procedures performed by Westmoreland and stated that, in those instances, the animals were under anesthesia.
Additional witnesses, including Sarah Welsh, Christopher Grimmett, and Alicia Woods, testified that they were instructed by Westmoreland to perform heart stick euthanasia procedures and administer rabies vaccinations.
The court recessed for the day, with the state expected to conclude its case when proceedings resume at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
