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Posted 15 October 2008
View legislative update (PDF)
New laws adopted
Citing a long delay in passing the 2008-09 state budget, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a record number of bills that did not meet his standard of "highest priority" for the state. Among the vetoed bills were:
- AB 2427, making it unlawful for a city or county to prohibit a person or a group of persons from engaging in any act that falls within the statutory or regulatory definition of that business, occupation, or profession. The City of West Hollywood's declawing prohibition led to the introduction of this bill.
- AB 1760, easing licensing requirements for out-of-state veterinarians with more than two years experience in clinical practice.
- AB 2233, prohibiting drivers of motor vehicles from holding a live animal in their arms or lap.
Gov. Schwarzenegger did sign into law AB 2296, the Researcher Protection Act of 2008, making it a misdemeanor to publish personal information about academic researchers or their family members with the intent to threaten or attack those researchers. The bill also makes it a misdemeanor for protesters to enter researchers' property for the purpose of interfering with their academic practices. The legislation was introduced after attacks on the homes of researchers at multiple University of California campuses in recent years. At UC Berkeley, there have been more than 20 reports of vandalism at researchers' houses, including broken windows and vandalized cars. However, officials from some animal rights organizations assert that the act is a violation of free speech.
Pennsylvania HB 2525, championed by Gov. Ed Rendell and subject of statewide debate for nearly a year, was approved after attempts were made to remove several key provisions. The new law raises standards for care in commercial dog-breeding kennels that sell or transfer 60 or more dogs a year. It bans wire flooring, doubles the minimum area required for cages, and requires exercise and semiannual veterinary exams. Under the bill, kennel owners have one year to make improvements unless they meet conditions to receive a waiver for an additional two years.
New legislation was approved in New York State prohibiting the confinement of a companion animal in a motor vehicle in extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or other protection if the animal is placed in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury. Where the operator of the vehicle cannot be promptly located, a police officer or peace officer acting as an agent of a duly incorporated humane society may take necessary steps to remove the animal or animals from the vehicle.
Regulatory developments
A number of state agencies promulgated regulations affecting veterinarians in recent weeks. These include:
- Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine made several major amendments to the administrative rules implementing the veterinary practice act. Licensing fees and civil penalties were increased, several complementary and alternative treatments were specifically included in the definition of veterinary medicine, and the rules defining eligibility and scope of practice for certified veterinary technicians and licensed veterinary technicians were clarified.
- In Nevada, the Board of Pharmacy approved standards for compounding pharmacies and dispensing practitioners who compound drug products.
- In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issued an emergency rule, expiring on Jan. 14, 2009, to authorize temporary emergency licenses to out-of-state veterinarians who file the appropriate applications to the board and who practice in good standing in another state.
Los Angeles ordinance takes effect
Beginning Oct. 1, 2008, Los Angeles pet owners must comply with a city ordinance that requires most dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered by the time they are four months old. The law was signed by the mayor in February, giving pet owners a seven-month grace period. If pets are not sterilized within 60 days, owners could face a $100 fine or eight hours of community service. A third offense could result in a $500 fine or 40 hours of community service. The ordinance exempts a number of animals, including service dogs and animals that compete in shows or sporting competitions.
The link at the top or bottom of the page will take you to the latest chart of significant pending bills and regulations from around the country. Next month, we will report the election results for several veterinarians running for office and outcome of animal-related ballot initiatives.
View legislative update (PDF)
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