ALDF Calls For Revocation Of Palmer's Dental License

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A national nonprofit for the defense of animals is calling for a local dentist to lose his license to practice.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a complaint with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry against Dr. Walter Palmer.

"Our supporters in Minnesota want to see their Board of Dentistry uphold the high standards of the profession and revoke Mr. Palmer's license," executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Stephen Wells, said.

Palmer is accused of illegally killing the beloved 13-year-old lion, Cecil, while hunting in Zimbabwe last month.

Reports state that Palmer and his hunting guides lured the collared lion out of Hwange National Park and shot him with a crossbow, injuring him. Hours later, they fatally shot him.

The ALDF believes that by killing Cecil Palmer violated Minnesota's standards of professional conduct.

In the complaint, the group states that he has brought "disrepute to the Minnesota dental profession," as news stories always identify him as a dentist from Minnesota.

The group also claims this is not the first time that Palmer has acted with "gross immorality," citing 2006 charges against him in Wisconsin.

In 2006, Palmer faced felony charges for illegally killing a black bear in Wisconsin. He pleaded guilty in 2008 to making false statements about the bear he shot and killed. He received a one-year probation and was fined almost $3,000.