Justice for Cecil -- Suspend Dr. Walter Palmer's Dentist License

Those who work in the medical field are expected to demonstrate good moral character and integrity at all times.

In 2006, Dr. Walter Palmer failed to behave in an ethical manner when he shot a black bear in Wisconsin. He shot the black bear about 40 miles outside the area where he was licensed to hunt. He lied to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife agent when he claimed that he shot the bear in the correct area. Dr. Palmer was ordered to pay $2,938 in restitution and put on probation for one year.

Dr. Palmer is accused of paying $55,000 to hunt and kill Cecil the Lion in Zimbabwe in July 2015. It is illegal to hunt in the Hwange National Park. Dr. Palmer and his tour guide allegedly lured Cecil the Lion out of the national park by tying a dead animal to their vehicle. Dr. Palmer then shot Cecil with a bow and arrow. Dr. Palmer and his tour guide allegedly tracked the injured lion for 40 hours. Then Dr. Palmer allegedly used a rifle to kill the injured lion. Cecil was found beheaded and skinned just outside the national park.

This is not hunting. This is animal abuse. The Minnesota Board of Dentistry should take action to protect other animals from being abused and killed by Dr. Palmer. Dr. Palmer's dentist license should be suspended until the issues surrounding Cecil the Lion's death are resolved.