WILLIAMSON COUNTY — A former Williamson County veterinarian was sentenced Friday to two years probation and a mental health evaluation, plus treatment.

According to our sister station WQRL in Benton, Elisa Kirkpatrick was found guilty in July of aggravated cruel treatment of an animal, a felony. She was also found guilty of misdemeanor charges including several counts of practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

Investigators raided Kirkpatrick’s home in the Creal Springs area last May and found several animals inside and a foul odor of feces and urine. She lost her license in 2014, but continued seeing and boarding animals.

Prosecutors wanted jail time for Kirkpatrick in order to send her a message that behaviors like hers would not be tolerated, but the judge said it would be detrimental to her health.

Kirkpatrick was also ordered to pay court fees.  Also during sentencing, Kirkpatrick expressed regret for the actions that led her, her colleagues and her clients to the courtroom.