Robert M. Cobb Jr. is Georgia’s newest state veterinarian, overseeing everything from livestock markets and meat inspection rules to the care of horses and the licensing and inspection of animal shelters, pet dealers and dog and cat breeders.

Cobb, who earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 1981, was appointed to the job by state agriculture commissioner Gary Black. He had been the state's assistant state veterinarian, after working for years in private practice.

Former state veterinarian C. Carter Black retired in October.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michael Thurmond spoke to the AJC's Tia Mitchell during a  Politically Georgia forum at The Dogwood at Westside Paper in Atlanta on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Adam Beam/AJC)

Credit: Adam Beam/AJC

Featured

A migrant farmworker harvests Vidalia onions at a farm in Collins, in 2011. A coalition of farmworkers, including one based in Georgia, filed suit last month in federal court arguing that cuts to H-2A wages will trigger a cut in the pay and standard of living of U.S. agricultural workers. (Bita Honarvar/AJC)

Credit: Bita Honarvar