NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A veterinarian in the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has been named director of the newly created Division of Animal Welfare in the state Department of Health.
Dr. Philip Gordon will oversee enforcement of laws regulating dog and cat breeders.
A state law passed last year requires licenses for individuals owning 20 or more unsterilized cats or dogs for the purpose of selling the offspring. The law also includes requirements for standards of care, conditions, inspections and annual reports by licensees.
Gordon has 35 years of experience as a veterinarian and manager. He has been assistant state veterinarian since 2005 and before that was a vet in Murfreesboro, Pulaski and Madison, Ala.