A former veterinarian claims in a lawsuit that San Diego county's animal shelter mistreated dogs by leaving them in unheated kennels, calling the dogs "ice puppies."
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Bruce Cauble filed suit against the Department of Animal Services for failing to replace a broken boiler part that would have easily fixed the problem.
Cauble's 10-page complaint alleges retaliation by the county for his whistle-blowing about shelter conditions. He is seeking unspecified damages, legal fees and other relief.
According to the complaint, Cauble and two other veterinarians were transferred to inconvenient work sites after reporting concerns about management practices.
County officials declined to discuss specifics of the allegations, but said it will continue to provide the best care possible for animals in its shelters.
