Tennessee man arrested after investigation into veterinary clinic where dogs reportedly died
A Nashville man has been arrested on a felony charge of impersonating a veterinarian following an investigation into allegations that an unlicensed individual performed medical procedures on dogs and cats at an East Nashville animal clinic.
Metro Nashville Police identified the defendant as Prashant Pandya, 45, and announced his arrest Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The investigation centers on Caudle Veterinary Clinic, located on Gallatin Pike.
Earlier that day, police detectives, representatives of the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at the clinic.
Authorities said the investigation concerns allegations that someone without the required veterinary license performed procedures on animals, with adverse outcomes reported.
NewsChannel 5 previously investigated complaints involving two dogs that died following treatment at the clinic and a third dog whose owners reported serious complications. Those accounts helped bring public attention to questions about the qualifications of the person performing veterinary procedures.
In September, the family of a dog named Wunjo reported that the animal died hours after undergoing surgery at Caudle Veterinary Clinic. The family questioned Pandya’s licensing status after reviewing Tennessee’s professional license records.
Other pet owners subsequently raised similar concerns. Police and prosecutors began examining whether veterinary procedures had been performed without the required authorization.
The November 3 arrest marks a significant development, but the criminal charge does not establish guilt. Investigators have not publicly determined that Pandya’s actions caused the reported animal deaths or established criminal responsibility for every adverse outcome.
The specific evidence recovered during the clinic search has not been publicly detailed. Authorities have also not announced final findings concerning the medical care provided to individual animals.
Why This Matters for Animals
Veterinary licensing requirements exist to protect animals and the people responsible for their care. Surgery, anesthesia, diagnosis and medical treatment require appropriate professional training, competence and regulatory oversight.
When pet owners seek veterinary treatment, they depend on the qualifications of the individuals providing that care. They also need accurate information about who will perform procedures and what professional credentials those individuals hold.
This case raises important questions about how veterinary credentials are verified, how complaints are investigated and whether warning signs are addressed before additional animals may be exposed to risk.
At the same time, adverse medical outcomes do not automatically establish negligence or criminal wrongdoing. Determining causation requires evidence about each animal’s condition, treatment, clinical circumstances and the actions of those involved.
The next developments to monitor include the court proceedings, any additional charges, the results of professional licensing investigations and official findings concerning the animals treated at the clinic.
Sources: NewsChannel 5, November 3, 2026; WSMV, November 3, 2026; WSMV, September 16, 2026.
