Scio, Ore. – A veterinary office in Scio has closed its doors amid the revocation of the owner’s veterinary license, a claim of alleged forced labor, and his pending charges for alleged child mistreatment.
A sign on the door of Scio Animal Clinic said the business is temporarily closed “while certain administrative matters are addressed.” Their answering machine had the same message.
The Canyon Weekly reached out to owner Brian Dietrich to learn about the status of the clinic and for responses to the new allegations. A voicemail and text message to his personal cell phone were not returned.
Revoked for Misconduct
The circumstances around the clinic’s closure began June 30 when the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board (OVMEB) revoked Dietrich’s license for “unprofessional and dishonorable conduct.” The board’s findings primarily related to Dietrich’s criminal convictions for felony strangulation in 2022 and misdemeanor animal neglect in 2023.
The Canyon Weekly stated in its Oct. 3 issue that Dietrich’s license was still active. This statement was made in error before a copy of the final order from OVMEB was obtained.
In 2022 Dietrich was arrested for domestic assault. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years probation. In 2023 he was arrested for allegedly allowing hoof rot to spread through a herd of sheep, debilitating many animals and killing two. He pleaded no-contest and was sentenced to five years probation.
OVMEB found Dietrich committed multiple license violations including being arrested for a felony, inhumane handling of animals, negligence and professional incompetence. The board also said Dietrich continues to insist his treatment of the herd of sheep adhered to veterinary standards, despite what the board said was “contrary evidence.”
OVMEB fined Dietrich $50,000 to reimburse the board for expenses associated with the disciplinary process.
According to state records, Dietrich took steps to continue operating the clinic after his license was revoked. On July 11 he reactivated his state business license, which had lapsed in February.
OVMEB Executive Director Peter Burns said Dietrich was “not permitted to practice once the final order was finalized.” Burns said if they receive a complaint that Dietrich was practicing without a license the board would investigate.
Alleged forced labor
On July 18 Dietrich’s wife filed a petition for separation in Linn County Circuit Court citing irreconcilable differences. Among other claims in the petition, she said Dietrich required her to work for his clinic “without payment for the past couple of years.”
The petitioner said Dietrich, as the breadwinner, gave her the option to “stay home and/or work from his veterinary practice without pay.” She said this began while the two were dating and continued after their marriage.
The petition said Dietrich would not allow her to work for other employers, and this has left her without the means to support herself and her children. The petitioner has asked the court to award significant spousal support.
The Canyon Weekly reached out to the petitioner for comment but did not hear back by deadline.
As of press time, Dietrich had yet to respond to the petition. On Oct. 10 the court filed notice of intent to dismiss the petition because proof of service had yet to be filed.
Alleged child mistreatment
Following these events, Dietrich faced new criminal proceedings for allegedly causing injuries to three children in his care, ages 6, 8 and 10.
According to a report by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Dietrich allegedly spanked the children with a fiberglass rod meant for an electric fence during incidents in August and September. The spankings left bruises and red marks on the children’s legs and buttocks, which were noticed by relatives who contacted police.
The report said a fiberglass rod could cause serious physical injuries to children and this was grounds to arrest Dietrich for alleged criminal mistreatment, assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
On Sept. 29 the Linn County District Attorney’s Office filed three felony counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment and the other charges were dropped.
If convicted, Dietrich faces up to five years in prison on each count. He was released from the Linn County Jail Sept. 30 on $40,000 bail with orders to have no contact with the alleged victims or their families.
The latest arrest could violate his probation in the strangulation and animal neglect cases.
In January he was convicted of a probation violation for keeping dogs on his property despite being prohibited from possessing unapproved pets or livestock. For this offense he served eight days in jail.
This story is courtesy of The Canyon Weekly. View the original article.
