Stay updated on the investigation involving Outlaw Equine Hospital, Josh Harvey, DVM. Learn about the allegations, regulatory scrutiny, and the importance of animal welfare in veterinary care.
An equine infectious anemia (EIA) outbreak has prompted an extensive investigation into the management and practices of Outlaw Equine Hospital and Rehab Center (OE) in Decatur, Texas. The outbreak, linked to contaminated medical practices in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), resulted in the infection of 22 horses, of which 21 were euthanized.
Key Findings of the Investigation
The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners initiated an investigation into OE after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) traced the EIA cases back to the hospital. The findings pointed to lapses in sterile protocols, specifically the reuse of syringes and needles, which caused blood contamination of heparinized saline bottles used to flush IV catheters.
Additionally, the investigation unveiled further operational irregularities at OE. Among the findings were several violations of veterinary regulations, as outlined below:
- Controlled Substance Mismanagement: The hospital’s controlled substance logs were incomplete, with significant discrepancies noted. Stated in the public Texas Veterinary License #10402; CASE NOS. CP24-391; CP25-290, CP25-307, CP25-361 & CP25-520 pdf that can be found here, "on numerous occasions the respondent [Josh Harvey, DVM] had issued prescriptions for the compounded controlled drug Stanozolol in order to obtain the controlled substances for supplying the individual practitioner for the purpose of general dispensing to patients in violation of Board rules and federal regulations. Respondent authorized the prescriptions for the compounded controlled drug Stanozolol in numerous patient names whom the drug was not intended in order to obtain the drug and then dispensed or administered the compounded controlled drug Stanozolol to other patients. Respondent on occasions shipped the controlled drug Stanozolol, which he had fraudulently obtained through prescriptions, to veterinarians in Florida and Louisiana. Respondent admitted to these allegations in recorded interviews with Board investigators." The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) prohibits stanozolol.
- Unlicensed Veterinary Practices: Dr. Joshua Harvey, owner and founder of OE, allowed Dr. Danielle Araujo Barbosa to practice veterinary medicine at OE despite not being a licensed veterinarian in the state of Texas.
- Allegations of Misconduct: Complaints received by the Board alleged instances of Dr. Harvey practicing under the influence of alcohol, along with claims of sexual and physical assault of former employees. Witnesses corroborated reports of Dr. Harvey consuming alcohol while treating patients. Additionally, a former employee reported an incident in which Dr. Harvey allegedly physically assaulted him, which led to Dr. Harvey’s arrest in May 2025.
The investigation also reviewed previous disciplinary actions taken by the Board against Dr. Harvey. These included violations related to controlled substances, patient records, and professional standards of care dating back to 2009.
Disciplinary Action
On July 1, 2025, the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issued an order for the immediate temporary suspension of Dr. Harvey’s veterinary license. The suspension prohibits Dr. Harvey from practicing or supervising veterinary medicine and restricts his activities at OE to administrative tasks. The Board cited gross malpractice, negligence, and dishonest practices in its decision.
An informal conference has been scheduled to take place within 14 days of the suspension's effective date to determine whether formal disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Harvey should move forward.
Broader Implications
The EIA outbreak and subsequent investigation into OE underscore the critical importance of maintaining strict veterinary protocols and adhering to professional standards in clinical settings. The contamination incident highlights the potential dangers of lapses in sterilization practices and controlled substance management, which can have far-reaching consequences for animal health and safety.
Veterinary experts caution that ongoing vigilance and compliance with regulatory guidelines are essential to ensuring patient safety and public confidence in equine medical facilities.
The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners remains dedicated to enforcing regulatory standards and safeguarding the welfare of animals under veterinary care.
This article has been prepared to inform readers of the developments regarding the investigation into Josh Harvey, DVM. Updates will follow as the situation progresses. Read the full disciplinary report issued by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners here.
