Kentucky fires its chief vet

Dr. Gary Wilson, chief veterinarian for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority and an outspoken critic of the authority, was fired Dec. 23, said Chuck Wolf, a spokesman for Kentucky state government's Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, which oversees the authority. His tenure as chief veterinarian lasted less than six months. He was hired in July to replace Dr. Mitzi Fisher, who had resigned the post.

Wilson had grown increasingly critical of the authority in recent months. In November, he claimed the authority overworked and underpaid its veterinarians and was slow in its response to address changes he felt could improve the state's veterinary services.

Wolf said no explanation was given in the letter terminating Wilson's employment, saying only that the authority deemed his services to be "no longer needed." Wilson could not be reached for comment.

Dr. Nancy Davis, who has been serving as one of the state's veterinarians, has been named interim chief veterinarian for the authority, Wolf said.