NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A Gallatin veterinarian was found guilty on Thursday by the state board of veterinary medical examiners of violating Tennessee's euthanasia rules.

Video: Board: Controversial Vet Violated Euthanasia Rules

Dr. Bill Baber's license will be suspended until April, he was placed on probation for five years, fined $2,000 and will have to undergo psychological counseling.

For the first time on Thursday, the public heard from Baber, who said he was unaware that the heart shot method without sedation had been banned by the state veterinary board.

In November, a Channel 4 I-team investigation exposed how Dr. Bill Baber was euthanizing animals by injecting them directly into the heart without sedation.

Lawyers from the state wanted Baber's license taken away and said he should have known that the practice was cruel and outlawed.

But Baber said that because of the sheer number of animals that needed to be put down, he had no choice but to use the quick method without sedation even if he felt overwhelmed.

Channel 4 interviewed Baber after the ruling and asked if he thought he had did anything wrong, and he denied any wrongdoing.

The Channel 4 I-team investigation into this story has prompted many changes at the Sumner County animal shelter.

A new manager will be hired to oversee the animal control program, and the shelter will be watched by a team of inspectors, which includes the sheriff, a vet, a county commissioner and an animal rescuer.

It was unclear Thursday evening if Baber would try to appeal the decision.