Law & Ethics

Sacramento, Calif. -- A bill with a history going back to February 2007 that was scrapped by lawmakers in September and would have required mandatory sterlization of dogs and cats older than 6 months has reappeared on the California Senate floor.

Sacramento, Calif. -- A California lawmaker is seeking to make cattle tail docking illegal.

Denver, Colo. -- Legislation introduced last month in Colorado that would have limited the number of dogs breeders could keep and mandate veterinary certification exams for commercially bred dogs has been set aside indefinitely.

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois may declare ear cropping and tail docking "animal torture" if a bill introduced in late January is passed.

Albany, N.Y. -- All dogs in New York may have to be microchipped and identified in a state registry if a new bill makes it out of committee.

Lancaster, Calif. -- Several dog breeds will have to go under the knife in the next few weeks when a municipal law requiring sterilization by breed takes effect.

Brunswick, Ga. - Charged with improperly disposing of two dead horses, citizens spoke up to vindicate this veterinarian.

The prospect of building an all-new practice facility is a daunting one, especially for veterinarians who have not owned a practice before.

National Report - As microchipping becomes more common, veterinarians are questioning their legal liability and ethical obligations in regard to sorting out ownership disputes.

Denver - Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would require cat owners in the state' largest cities to microchip or tag.

A veterinary forensics program, under development by ASPCA and the University of Florida, was unveiled this week.

One of the most surprising things I learned in law school was the legal definition of "battery." A similar principle applies to the veterinarian who performs an act on an animal without the permission of its owner.

Several factors determine whether they're subcontractors or employees.

Harrisburg, Pa. - A newly formed nine-member Canine Health Board has just 45 days to establish guidelines.

Harrisburg, Pa. -- The new nine-member Canine Health Board -- made up of veterinarians from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical School, as well as Republican and Democratic legislative leaders -- has met for the second time in less than a month to work on guidelines for the recently passed Pennsylvania dog law.

Sacramento -- Increased pet abandonment, euthanasia and public-health problems will be the likely result of the a newly proposed California tax on veterinary services, according to a statement issued today by the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

Passage of Prop 2 will mean big changes for California's food-animal industry.

Harrisburg, Pa. - Pennsylvania legislators passed a controversial law aimed at improving conditions for dogs in so-called puppy mills.

Desert Hills, Ariz.- Dr. Joshua Winston spent more than a year fighting to clear his name, which he says has cost him nearly $250,000 and more grief than he cares to recall.

An Ohio veterinarian and his staff fought off a man who burst into the practice claiming to have a bomb.

New York - A Congressional panel earlier this year questioned whether the nation's horse racing industry had the will and ability to regulate itself or whether government intervention would be necessary.

In New York, a dapper bachelor could enlist a dog each Saturday to help him find his date for the night.

I am sure that by now pretty much every veterinary hospital owner is aware that it is important to have an employee handbook or manual for clinic workers.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) urges candidate leadership on several issues.

Washington -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Congressional Science Fellows have accepted positions on Capitol Hill, serving in capacities that coincide with their interests and enabling them to provide expertise to Congress, all while serving the veterinary profession.

Washington -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is accepting applications for its Congressional Science Fellows.

Washington -- The U.S. Representatives in September heard the introduction of a bill to prohibit the interstate transport of animals used in wildlife penning.

ELLIJAY, GA. - A Georgia couple filed a $75,000 civil suit against an Atlanta veterinary surgeon, and are seeking non-economic damages that could set a precedent in pet-injury cases. Pets are considered personal property in most states, including Georgia.

The debate over limited licensure has many factors.

The psychological pressure imposed on veterinarians to do something ... occasionally is overwhelming.