A Kalamazoo veterinarian won't face criminal charges stemming from animal-cruelty complaints lodged last year by some of his ex-employees.

Kalamazoo County prosecutors have denied a warrant request from sheriff's department investigators, saying there's not enough evidence to charge Steven Ginsberg, a doctor of veterinary medicine who operates Crestview Animal Hospital, 6044 Gull, with animal cruelty or obtaining money through false pretenses.

"After an extensive review of the police reports and witness statements, there is insufficient evidence to issue criminal animal cruelty charges," said Jeff Fink, assistant county prosecutor.

Conflicting witness statements and what Fink called "insufficient facts such as dates, times or specifics" ruled out criminal charges. Some witnesses to Ginsberg's allegedly abusive behavior denied the vet had done anything wrong, Fink said.

Some former employees were among those who had alleged Ginsberg abused at least three dogs, among other complaints. Ginsberg declined to comment when contacted by the Kalamazoo Gazette on Thursday.

State licensing officials continue to scrutinize Ginsberg, who has practiced in Kalamazoo more than 30 years. The Michigan attorney general's office has charged Ginsberg with numerous infractions, including animal abuse and neglect, poor clinic hygiene and failing to secure controlled substances and dispensing expired drugs to animals. Ginsberg met with state officials and denied abusing animals or using outdated drugs, though he did admit having old drugs on hand, said Howard Marderosian, an assistant attorney general with the Health Services Division.

An impasse between Ginsberg and the state over the cruelty allegations has stalled negotiations and could set the stage for a hearing before the state licensing board next year, Marderosian said. "But for those, we probably could have settled the case right then and there," Marderosian said. "(Ginsberg admitted) there are portions of his practice that probably could have been improved."

State officials ultimately must determine whether Ginsberg should be sanctioned for alleged violations at his clinic. Sanctions could range from written warnings to license restrictions or revocation, officials said. MIKE TYREE can be reached at 388-8413.