AVMA offers midyear report on state legislation

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The 2007 Veterinary State Legislative Mid-Year Report is a new resource now available on the AVMA Web site.

From Jan. 1-July 31, the AVMA tracked and analyzed a myriad of measures under consideration by state legislatures and regulatory agencies. Legislators introduced more than 132,000 bills in the 50 states and District of Columbia—and adopted about 30,000.

The AVMA's electronic tracking system identified more than 5,000 bills and regulations of interest to the veterinary profession. The AVMA Department of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, within the Communications Division, sent 1,156 alerts to state veterinary medical associations. The department responded to 50 requests for legal or legislative research.

The midyear report lists topic areas reflecting a selection of state measures that affect veterinarians and animals. The largest topic is animal welfare—with measures relevant to animal cruelty, antifreeze bittering agents, domestic violence orders of protection, foie gras, euthanasia, pet groomers, microchipping, pet breeders, pet retailers/kennels/shelters, spay/neuter, tethering, and exotic animals. The other topics are breed-specific legislation, emergency management, scope of practice/complementary and alternative practice, farm practices, horse slaughter, legal issues, National Animal Identification System, pharmacy, veterinary practice, and veterinary education.

The midyear report is available at www.avma.org by clicking on State under Advocacy, then on State Legislative Updates. In December, the AVMA will issue a yearend report, with updates on measures that are pending.