Law & Ethics

Washington, D.C. -- Federal legislators introduced a bill that would formally establish a chief veterinary officer position at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Washington -- The sale of videos depicting animal cruelty and torture for entertainment purposes no longer is illegal, according to a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Boston -- Devocalizing a dog or cat without medical cause will be a felony in Massachusetts if Gov. Deval Patrick signs a newly presented bill into law.

Lafayette, Colo. - Sometimes controversy comes in small packages.

Veterinarians struggle to comply with rules no one understands.

Secure your clients' and team members' private information against identity theft and mitigate your own risk of future fines

An amendment could exempt certain businesses, including veterinarians, from the Red Flags Rule.

The black market dog trade is vast and some believe it's growing.

Do we have a problem with pet overpopulation or pet distribution?

Providence, R.I. -- A state senator withdrew legislation that would have forced animal-control officers to impound feral cats.

Albany, N.Y. - A sharp increase in "dog-nappings" recorded by the American Kennel Club (AKC) last year has resulted in the introduction of two new laws in New York that would make pet theft penalties more harsh.

The cost of an advanced degree is becoming nearly impossible for graduates to pay in a reasonable time.

A Calif. vet is alleging extortion in a lawsuit filed on Feb. 24 against Yelp, an online review site for consumers.

West Hollywood -- Retail pet sales will become illegal in West Hollywood beginning March 19.

A ban on cat and dog retail sales is very close to becoming official.

In the world of veterinary employment agreements, the sun shines mostly on the same old points of contention.

I realized that humanity probably really is getting dumber and the reason may be the very technology that promised to improve our lives.

Arizona court joins ranks with California and Vermont judges in saying "no" to emotional damages cases

A new campaign to redefine livestock housing in Ohio was announced Feb. 1.

Two team members sound off about the recent California declaw bans.

When will the HSUS understand that Americans won't want expensive meat?

Instructor is on paid leave following charges of criminal sexual misconduct.

Put yourself in others' shoes, paws, hooves or claws

One doctor defends the practice of ear cropping.

City ordinance mandates veterinarians cough up licensing information.

Las Vegas -- Las Vegas residents will have to make sure they aren't keeping intact pets without a special permit starting this spring or they will have to pay hefty fines.

A total of six Calif. cities have now made some move toward declaw bans.

Livestock housing standards in Ohio now will be set by a Livestock Care Standards Board.