Veterinary Board and Horse Stable Complaint Form Details

File a Complaint : Before You File a Complaint - Know What to Expect!

The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners investigates complaints alleging violations of the Maryland Veterinary Practice Act. Our goal in these investigations is to maintain the integrity of the veterinary profession and to ensure that all licensees adhere to a minimum standard of care. Formal disciplinary action will only be taken when evidence gathered during a complaint investigation indicates that the care provided fell below the minimum standard. It is highly unlikely that the Board will revoke a license if a veterinarian makes an error in judgment. The Board is much more likely to order the licensee to undergo additional training and education or meet other conditions to improve their skill level.

Unless the Board issues a formal disciplinary action, details of how the complaint is resolved are not available to the public, including the complainant. You will be notified when the investigation is complete; however, the Board’s decision is final. A complainant has no right to request a hearing and no right to appeal. If you are seeking a punitive action or restitution, consult an attorney or contact the Maryland Conflict Resolution Service.

The Board takes every complaint seriously. We want to hear when you have had a negative experience that you believe needs to be addressed. This process improves the skill level of our licensees and helps us set new policies and regulations to improve the quality of care.

By moving forward with a complaint, you are verifying that you have reviewed our website for information about the investigatory process and that you understand the possible outcomes. We ask that you verify that you have done this to ensure you know what to expect by filing this complaint and are not disappointed with any result.

Important: The Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners has no jurisdiction over financial disputes, fees or pricing. For these disputes, we recommend you contact the Maryland Conflict Resolution Service. The Board has no jurisdiction over non-licensees, such as rescue groups or humane organizations. For those complaints, consider contacting your county animal control agency, State’s Attorney’s Office, Better Business Bureau, or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.


File a Complaint : Before You File a Complaint - Know What to Expect!

The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) may investigate complaints alleging violations of the statutes and regulations governing its program (Md. Code Ann., Agric. § 2-701 et seq. and COMAR 15.16.01.01 et seq.) . MHIB’s goal in these investigations is to maintain the integrity of licensed stables and to ensure that all licensees adhere to the laws governing licensed horse establishments..  Enforcement may occur if sufficient evidence shows a violation of the statutes and regulations governing the MHIB.. MHIB

Important: The Maryland Horse Industry Board has no jurisdiction over financial disputes, fees or pricing, or the buying and selling or transport of horses. For these disputes, we recommend you contact the Maryland Conflict Resolution Service. The Board has no jurisdiction over non-licensees, such as unlicensed stables. For those complaints, consider contacting your county animal control agency, State’s Attorney’s Office, Better Business Bureau, or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. 

Some frequent issues that come up are discussed below.

The MHIB cannot order a stable owner to waive charges, refund money paid, or award damages.

By statute, the MHIB does not have authority to award damages.  The Board also has no jurisdiction over financial disputes or the prices charged by stable owners. If that is your primary concern, we recommend you contact the mediation program for assistance or consult an attorney.

The MHIB takes each complaint seriously.

The MHIB appreciates and considers every complaint filed, and we do, very much, want to hear if you have information showing a violation of the statues and regulations governing the program. We believe the complaint process improves how licensed stables function across the State and increases the quality of care received by horses. Citizen complaints assist us by informing the MHIB about common problematic issues in equine care. The MHIB uses its experience evaluating complaints to promulgate new policies and regulations.

Once you file a complaint, the case is a matter between the MHIB and the Horse Establishment operator. The MHIB does not represent you. 

If you file a complaint, any enforcement action will concern only the MHIB and the licensed horse establishment.  While the information you provide may assist the MHIB in an enforcement matter, the MHIB does not represent you as a complainant.    

The time frame for disposition of a complaint varies greatly, depending on the nature and complexity of the case. 

All investigations take time. Please be patient.

The MHIB enforces minimum standards.

The MHIB’s goal is to maintain the integrity of licensed stables and ensure that they adhere to the minimum requirements of the statutes and regulations governing the program.

If you have any questions, please contact the MHIB Office at (410) 841-5798 or email:

Anne Litz at anne.litz@maryland.gov

Ross Peddicord at ross.peddicord@maryland.gov