AVON LAKE — The owner of an Avon Lake animal hospital has been indicted on seven charges alleging he used prescriptions written in the name of a dead dog to obtain nearly 2,000 oxycodone tablets and other controlled drugs.
Dr. Kris Leonard Taylor, 62, of Strongsville, owns Landings Animal Hospital on Avon Belden Road. A Lorain County grand jury charged him with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, deception to obtain dangerous drugs, illegal processing of drug documents and drug possession. An alleged accomplice, identified in reports as Camile Nieto, also faces charges in the case.
Prosecutors say the prescriptions were written and filled between Aug. 10, 2024, and June 7, 2025, using the name “Punkin,” a dog that was already dead. The indictment alleges about 1,980 oxycodone tablets were obtained, along with alprazolam, the generic form of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax. The prescriptions were taken to pharmacies in Avon Lake and Avon, according to the indictment.
The most serious count, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, is a first-degree felony. Taylor also faces second-degree felony charges tied to the oxycodone, plus additional felony and misdemeanor counts. He was arrested in early October and released after posting a $500,000 cash or surety bond.
Both defendants appeared in Lorain County court on Oct. 8. Nieto is due back in court Oct. 15, and Taylor is scheduled to appear again Oct. 23. The animal hospital has said it remains open. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.