Prescription-drug abusers are taking dogs to veterinarians to get painkillers for themselves

Law enforcement agencies are dealing with yet another way drug seekers are trying to get their hands on prescriptions pills — through their pets. In Paducah, Ky., a woman was charged with doctor shopping by taking her dog to several veterinarians, reports Lauren Adams of WPSD-TV.

"The dog was diagnosed with something that would be treated with tramadol," said Ryan Norman, a drug detective with the McCracken County Sheriff's Department. The painkiller can be used by dogs and humans. When Tonya Rolison, 46, never brought the dog back for the required treatment, her vet became suspicious and contacted police.

That resulted in a month-long investigation that allegedly pointed to Rolison doctor shopping — going from everyone from physicians to veterinarians to gain prescriptions. "People get creative," Norman said. "They seek other ways to get what they need." (Read more)