Law & Ethics

Richmond, Va. -- Veterinarian-turned-politician Jim Shuler (D-Va.) is up for re-election today, and his opponent is a college student from his former alma mater.

When it comes to animal welfare, is it too late for diplomacy or have the battle lines already been drawn?

The license to practice veterinary medicine is a privilege that is extended to only those that are qualified by way of formal education and training to competently provide the necessary services.

In many veterinary practices today, obtaining informed consent consists of the receptionist placing a consent form in front of the client and telling the client they need to sigh the form so the doctor can perform the surgery or treat the animal.

Most self-governing professions are also guided by rules of ethics in their practices so as to further ensure the protection of the public from the unscrupulous or incompetent practitioner.

The financial commentaries in recent times have signalled a gloomy outlook on a global basis.

One of the key tenets of a self-governed profession is the requirement of the members of the profession to regulate and, when warranted, sanction its own members who might engage in conduct which is unprofessional and adverse to the public interest.

Sacramento, Calif. -- Bipartisan support in the California Legislature was not enough to save two animal-welfare laws from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto.

New Orleans -- Another municipal mandatory spay/neuter and breeding-restriction ordinance is under consideration, this time in New Orleans.

Americans today are wrestling with the value of their pets and the laws protecting animals more than ever before. And experts say veterinarians are, and should be, at the center of the debate.

Dissecting a state-board investigation can go a long way to easing fear and stress.

Phoenix -- The attorney for at least six pet owners who filed a class-action suit against Ohio-based Petland Inc. and the Hunte Corp., accusing them of selling unhealthy puppies from puppy mills to unsuspecting consumers, says he will amend and re-file the suit after the original was dismissed by a federal judge in Phoenix.

A Calif. high court has upheld a decision several states have already made.

Much more is at stake than enforceability; your career is at risk.

You may recall that the title of my first book was Most of My Patients Are Animals. Last year in this column, I related a couple of stories that illustrated the meaning of the title, with an emphasis on "most." Well, here are a few more.

Boston -- A proposed Massachusetts bill aimed at banning the controversial devocalization surgery in dogs has veterinarians barking about public disclosure of client information and infringement of medical practice.

While several AVMA delegates expressed displeasure about being cut out of last November's ear cropping and tail docking policy change, the buzzwords on Friday were that any policy reversal would result in negative "unintended consequences."

A new bill will prevent cities and counties from passing laws banning state-approved veterinary medical procedures.

Seattle - The Utah Veterinary Medical Association wants the AVMA to lay off the "hard-line slant" it took when the policy on ear cropping and tail docking was changed late last year.

Philadelphia - The waiting room was full at the Radbill Animal Hospital when a man walked behind the reception desk and confronted a technician.

Albany, N.Y. - New York veterinarians may have to certify some animal breeders if a bill is passed by state legislators.

One of the more stressful times in a veterinarian's employment relationship is contract-signing or contract-renewal time.

Horse owners open to reopening of U.S. processing plants, according to survey.

A California Senate bill that would have placed limits on antibiotic use in food animals has failed.

National Report -- North Dakota and Oklahoma are the latest to join a growing number of states that have passed laws to make things easier for veterinary volunteers during declared emergencies.

Montpelier, Vt. -- Several states are considering laws that would allow pet owners to recover emotional damages for the loss of companion animals, but Vermont is no longer one of them.

Montana now allows horse-processing plants to be built within its borders, and a handful of other states soon may do likewise.

As more governments look to enforce mandatory sterilization, the AVMA is standing firm in its opposition to the programs.