To the Minnesota Board of Dentistry:

We the undersigned urge you to permanently revoke Dr. Walter James Palmer's license to practice dentistry in Minnesota on at least these four grounds as provided under Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 150A.08, subdivision 1, (1), (6), and (7).  He has been previously disciplined in 2009 by your organization for sexual misconduct with both a patient and staff and lying to federal agents regarding poaching in Wisconsin.[1]

Anything less than a final revocation of Dr. Palmer's license to practice would undermine the trust that Minnesotans have with your members.  Further, your actions will allow other state boards to ensure that their patients will not suffer from Dr. Palmer's continuing immoral actions.

(6) Conduct Unbecoming and (7) Gross Immorality

Dr. Walter Palmer acted with at least willful ignorance on July 1, 2015 when he shot and killed Cecil, a tagged lion who lived in Antoinette farm in Gwayi Conservancy, Hwange district of Zimbabwe.  

Cecil was a tourist attraction for the impoverished country.  88.7% of Zimbabwe's visitors in 2013 were present for leisure activities.  As its third most important economic driver (behind mining practices and agriculture), tourism to Zimbabwe's national parks is essential to its economic stability.  Nearly 10% of Zimbabwe employment depends on tourism.[2]

In a microcosmic impact of Cecil's death, it is also more than likely this lion's cubs will now be killed by another lion in order to take over Cecil's pride.  

Dr. Palmer's actions not only marred his own reputation, but also ended the life of a human-friendly lion who provided a greater understanding and empathy to endangered animals throughout the world.  This callous disregard for Zimbabwe's economy and its ecosystem is grossly immoral.

Dr. Palmer claims that he did not know that Cecil the Lion was famous, or that the lion was a protected and tamed animal even though the lion was collared and tagged, coming out of a protected area.  He currently claims that he relied on his guides.  As Dr. Palmer has stated, however, he has shot and killed animals since the age of five.

The backlash to both Minnesota and the profession of dentistry has been immediate.

(1) Fraud or Deception in Connection with the Practice of Dentistry

But Dr. Palmer's unprofessional actions are clearly more than ignorance.  In his own advertising, Dr. Palmer stated that:  "Anything allowing him to stay active and observe and photograph wildlife is where you will find Dr. Palmer when he [sic] not in the office."  July 28, 2015.  He did not inform potential or current patients that he instead used their money to kill endangered species for sport. [3]​ [4]

Under Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 150A.08, subdivision 1, the grounds for revocation of a dentist's license in Minnesota are clear:  

The board may refuse or by order suspend or revoke, limit or modify by imposing conditions it deems necessary, the license of a dentist, dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assisting upon any of the following grounds:

(1) fraud or deception in connection with the practice of dentistry or the securing of a license certificate;

(6) conduct unbecoming a person licensed to practice dentistry, dental therapy, dental hygiene, or dental assisting, or conduct contrary to the best interest of the public, as such conduct is defined by the rules of the board; and 

(7) gross immorality.

We believe there is more than enough reason and evidence to revoke Dr. Palmer's license so that his name is no longer connected with your profession and organization.  We ask that you prevent Dr. Palmer from taking further steps to receive money fraudulently.

Respectfully,