Police raid animal clinic in Collegedale; DEA expected to join the investigation

COLLEGEDALE, Tennessee (WDEF) – A Collegedale veterinarian is now under investigation for suspicion of operating an illegal animal clinic and News 12 was on scene when detectives arrived with a warrant in hand.

News 12 was following up on a tip that a trailer home in the 5800 block of Hefner Way was possibly being used as an illegal animal clinic when Collegedale police arrived to conduct a raid of the trailer home.

Dr. Richard Harlow, a licensed veterinarian was asked to stay outside while detectives looked for evidence. When Dr. Harlow spotted a News 12 camera across the street, he came over to explain that he was not operating a business that requires a permit, but rather a humane society that treats injured animals.

“I am actually a non-profit and I’ve been voluntarily taking care of rescues and anything I do is free with a donation. It’s to the Phoenix Agape Humane Society so this is not a business. There is no exchange of money for anything that I do,” Harlow said.

Although Dr. Harlow said no money has been exchanged for services, detectives confiscated various documents which are now being investigated. Detectives will ask the DEA to join the investigation because of the medications the doctor may have given out.

“I’m a veterinarian. I’ve got a license to practice veterinarian medicine,” the doctor said when asked if he can legally dispense medication from his trailer.

Doctor Harlow told News 12 he’s helping people who can’t afford medical cost for their pets. He slams veterinarians on his website by claiming veterinarians use animals to make money.

“Most veterinarians now operate on a profit motivated basis. In other words , they’re in it for the money and that’s what I see,” Harlow said.

Detectives did not arrest Dr. Harlow nor did they issue him a citation because they are still trying to determine if he committed an infraction of operating a business without a permit, however the doctor is already in legal trouble after an arrest warrant was issued back in June for allegedly filing false documents to the Secretary of State. According to Collegedale Police, the documents deal with alleged businesses Dr. Harlow claims to have owned.

According to authorities, Dr. Harlow fled Tennessee and was arrested in Catoosa County Georgia in early July as a Tennessee fugitive. He was extradited back to Hamilton County and is now awaiting his day in court for allegations of filing false documents.

News 12 will have more information as the investigation widens.