A well-liked Florida veterinarian has been arrested for sexually abusing a dog and possessing child pornography.
Dr. Prentiss Madden of Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Aventura was arrested on Tuesday following a federal investigation. According to the Miami Herald, a tip led investigators to raid Madden’s home in February. Once inside, agents uncovered child pornography and photos of Madden having sex with a dog, though it is unclear if the animal was from the pet hospital where he worked.
The sickening discovery comes as a shock to his clients and colleagues, who all described Madden as a fantastic doctor. Regina Vlasek of Sage Animal Rescue says that the doctor offered her rescue organization discounts and was a compassionate veterinarian who stepped up to help his clients during the pandemic.
“I’m really sad. For me, he was such a great doctor. If the allegations are true, they’re horrifying,” Vlasek said
Another client of his, Gina Silvestri, says that she would have never believed the allegations against the beloved animal lover. Her dog and cat were both patients of his.
Though his photo and biography are no longer featured on the clinic’s website, it once listed Madden as an Alabama native and medical director.
The clinic manager released a statement confirming that Madden was terminated from Caring Hands Animal Hospital two weeks after being informed of Madden’s “heinous and unthinkable crimes.” The office says that they will do everything they can to “aid law enforcement and facilitate their investigation and prosecution.”
Madden is scheduled to appear in federal court on Wednesday.
