An Essex County veterinarian has agreed to permanently retire from practicing veterinary medicine in New Jersey following allegations that his inadequate treatment led to the deaths of several animals under his care, according to an announcement by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Ehren Seth Yablon, who operated Newark Veterinary Hospital, faced accusations of gross negligence, professional misconduct, incompetence, and malpractice. Allegations included treating animals in unsanitary conditions and failing to properly treat and isolate three puppies with parvovirus, resulting in the deaths of two of them.
Yablon had been temporarily suspended from practice since May 2022 while the allegations were under review. Under a final consent order filed with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, he has agreed to surrender his license permanently and will not be allowed to practice veterinary medicine again in New Jersey.
“We entrust veterinarians with the health of our beloved pets and when they fall short of professional standards, the consequences can be devastating for pet owners,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Today we are sending a message that we will hold accountable veterinarians who harm or kill animals through negligence or incompetence.”
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, stated: “The alleged conduct of this licensee demonstrates an egregious lack of judgment and disregard for professional standards that pose a grave risk to any animal under his care. By ensuring his permanent retirement from practice, we are protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of New Jersey’s veterinary profession.”
A complaint filed in April 2022 detailed claims that Yablon kept three parvovirus-positive Husky puppies together without treatment or basic care. When one died, he allegedly did not inform the owner or remove it from the kennel; two days later another puppy died. In another incident described by state authorities, a bulldog being treated for fever and bleeding issues died while in Yablon’s care. The owner was told her dog died during surgery; however, a necropsy performed by another veterinarian found no evidence surgery had taken place.
Investigators also reported observing unsanitary conditions at Yablon’s office during unannounced inspections. Findings included urine on waiting room floors, rodent feces in storage areas, dirty examination rooms with uncovered trash containers, unclean sterilization equipment, expired medication stored improperly, and a dead cat stored on top of a freezer.
In addition to relinquishing his veterinary license permanently, Yablon has agreed to give up his New Jersey CDS Registration which permitted him to prescribe controlled substances within the state. The terms also prohibit him from receiving any compensation related to veterinary services rendered by others in New Jersey or having any financial interest in such practices going forward. He is further barred from supervising or influencing veterinary practices within New Jersey—including acting as an expert witness or consultant.
The investigation was conducted by Enforcement Bureau investigators within the Division of Consumer Affairs; Deputy Attorney General Karen Webber represented the State under supervision from Professional Boards Prosecution Section Chief Doreen Hafner.
Individuals who believe they have experienced inappropriate treatment by licensed health professionals may file complaints online with the State Division of Consumer Affairs or contact them at 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
