Owner of animal hospital charged with obtaining thousands of pills by writing prescriptions for dead dog

The owner of an Ohio animal hospital was charged for obtaining thousands of pills he allegedly prescribed for a dead dog.

Dr Kris Taylor, 62, and his accomplice Camille Angulat-Nieto, 29, were busted for allegedly prescribing oxycodone and alprazolam for a dog named Punkin – who had already passed away.

Taylor is the owner of and veterinarian at Landings Animal Hospital in a Cleveland suburb. His relationship to Angulat-Nieto and her job remain unclear.

The drug duo were charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, deception to obtain a dangerous drug, possession of oxycodone and alprazolam and illegal processing of drug documents, court records seen by the Daily Mail show.

The alleged conduct took place between August 2024 and July 2025, the time period during which the two ordered more than 20 prescriptions for oxycodone and alprazolam, 19 News reported.

Oxycodone is used to manage moderate to severe pain and can cause physical dependence and psychological addiction. Alprazolam is known by its brand name Xanax and can also cause physical and emotional dependence.

According to the indictment, the two obtained almost 2,000 tablets of oxycodone and around 90 alprazolam pills. 

Taylor and Angulat-Nieto were given a $500,000 bond. 

Taylor pleaded not guilty and was placed under court-supervised release. The doc was ordered to undergo a substance abuse assessment and abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs while the case is pending.

The website of the animal hospital, which remains open, describes Taylor as ‘very active in his church’ and mentions that the doctor ‘resides with his wife and children in Strongsville, Ohio.’

Angulat-Nieto is scheduled to return to court October 15, while Taylor’s next court date is October 23.