Regulatory
Pets and Vets: UC-Davis regrows jaws and other state veterinary news
A state-by-state look at the world of animal health.
FDA considers regulatory action against therapeutic pet food manufacturers
Draft compliance policy guide available for review and comment through Nov. 9.
U.S. Reps. from Tennessee and Kentucky sponsor H.R. 6388 to amend the Horse Protection Act
Amendments aim to increase protection against equine soring.
FTC, AVMA, pharmaceutical industry members to discuss business practices and distribution of pet medications
AVMA encourages veterinarians to provide comments for the workshop through the federal register by Sept. 14.
Alabama spay-neuter bill dies quiet death
HB 156 allowing veterinarians to work at nonprofit facilities never reaches final vote; issues between clinics and ASBVME may be far from over.
HR 1406, Fairness to Pet Owners Act, is dead, says AVMA lobbyist
But bill mandating veterinary prescription writing will most likely be reintroduced next year.
Pets & vets: Alligator attack in Florida and other state veterinary news
FTC seeks veterinarians' input on pet medication industry
Public workshop next month in Washington, D.C., will explore competition and consumer protection issues.
California Senate passes bill protecting renters from mandatory declawing, devocalization
Legislation would prevent landlords from requiring potential tenants to declaw or devocalize their pets.
FDA appeals judge's order to take action on antimicrobial use
Federal agency seeks to overturn court's ruling to start proceedings addressing concerns.
FDA releases plans for monitoring food safety, antimicrobial resistance
Initiatives focus on public health plus safety and effectiveness of animal feed and drugs.
USDA targets Internet breeders with proposed definition change
New definition of "retail pet store" designed to ensure health and welfare of pets sold sight-unseen to buyers.
The changing veterinary drug model
Increasing pet owner options about where to obtain medications means veterinarians must adjust, experts say.
Nebraska lawmakers declare pets to be personal property
Nebraska has passed a law that will preempt efforts to award non-economic damages in cases of pet loss.
Illinois senator wants pet owner consent for veterinary charges of more than $250
Bill calls for disciplinary action against veterinarians who don't obtain 'express prior authorization.'
Federal judge orders FDA to start proceedings over subtherapeutic antibiotic uses
Animal Health Institute says order diverts resources from current stakeholder activity.
States seek limitations on nontherapeutic antibiotic uses in food animals
Some lawmakers in Minnestota and West Virginia are working on limiting nonmedicacl uses of antimicrobials in food animals.
Groups urge USDA to crack down on equine soring
The Humane Society of the United States has petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand the Horse Protection Act to make the use of numbing or masking drugs to hide underlying soring a felony offense.
Nebraska lawmakers mandate veterinary care for breeding dogs
Pet breeders in Nebraska will soon be required to have a written veterinary care plan for every dog under their care.
Iowa legislation hopes to redefine veterinary technicians, assistants
The Iowa Senate is considering a bill that would define the occupation of veterinary assistant and create two other classes of veterinary employees.
Louisiana board mandates direct supervision for laypersons performing alternative therapies
The Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine is permitting laypersons to provide alternative therapies on animals under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Delaware veterinarians must tell clients about prescription side effects
Delaware veterinarians must disclose side effects of prescription medications to clients if asked.
FDA issues new guidelines to limit antimicrobial overuse in food animals
Veterinary oversight is key to phasing out nontherapeutic use, agency says.
AVMA lends its support to hen-housing legislation
Bill intended to improve housing conditions for egg-laying hens.
Oklahoma considers tax credit for horse slaughter plant
Oklahoma City, Okla. - State lawmakers are considering an income tax credit for an equine horse slaughter facility.
W.V. works to clarify rules for RVTs
Charleston, W.V. - Some West Virginia lawmakers want to change the requirements and scope of practice for registered veterinary technicians.
Missouri wants to limit 'animal rights' debate
Jefferson City, Mo. - Missouri legislation seeks to limit animal-rights arguments in cases of non-economic damages.
Hawaii mulls exemption from electronic RX reporting program
Honolulu - Veterinarians may no longer have to report prescription information to the state in Hawaii if new legislation passes.
Hawaii considers forced sterilization for pets sold through retail channels
Honolulu - State lawmakers are again calling for mandatory sterilization of puppies and kittens sold through pet stores.
Tennessee drafts new legislation in favor of horse slaughter ban
Nashville - Shortly after the federal government re-opened the door to horse slaughter for human consumption in the United States, Tennessee legislators are working to keep it out of the state.