Judge’s Ruling Favors Veterinarian

State officials must reinstate Ventura veterinarian Thomas J. Bulgin’s license, according to an order by a Superior Court judge, who ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove that Bulgin was negligent in treating cats.

Bulgin was accused of negligent care of cats at his All Cats Clinic, 4587 Telephone Road, according to his attorney, Wendy Lascher. Seven clients complained that Bulgin mistakenly diagnosed their cats, in cases dating back to 1988. Three of those cats died and the owners took their case to the state Board of Veterinary Examiners.

The board ordered Bulgin’s license revoked, effective Sept. 26.

Bulgin, who said he has treated 62,881 cats since 1988, appealed the board’s findings, arguing that the cats died from causes unrelated to his treatment.

The seven cases ranged from a long-haired cat whose paws became infected after a declawing to a cat hit by a car who survived but later died of a blood clot.

“The standard for revoking a veterinarian’s license is negligence. For a physician, it is gross negligence, which is a much higher standard,” Lascher said. Loyal clients came to Bulgin’s defense.

“He was one of the reasons we stayed in the area,” said Richard Uber, who lives in Ventura and works in Burbank. Bulgin treats his two cats. “We have been really, really happy with him.”

The state board will now rehear the case, and may still impose some lesser punishment, Lascher said.

A hearing is scheduled Monday to determine if Bulgin must pay a $5,000 fine as ordered by the board, plus $18,000 in attorney’s fees, Lascher said.