FWD: Freedom Of Choice Veterinary Care

[Guest guest]

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The Freedom of Choice in health care is cherished by every American, and the

freedom to choose a career path, earn a living, etc. within the boundaries of

the law is the right of every American. Many State Veterinary laws were

written to protect the broad turf of animal care. As thousands of new careers

emerge

in the animal care field such as dog groomers, trainers, massage therapists,

animal chiropractors, nutritional counselors and human-animal behavior

counselors, etc, these laws restrict the legal practice of these new professions

even

if people have academic degrees in these professions. In the past, these laws

have not been challenged even though many are in violation of constitutional

rights to practice as well as limiting the free trade of commerce. Pushed by

the American Veterinary Medical Association a lobby organization for vets),

backed by substantial contributions from drug and feed companies, states are

being urged to tighten the laws that govern veterinary medicine. The

“definitionâ€

and “practice†of veterinary medicine is being expanded way beyond most

state

’s original intention and beyond what veterinarians are trained to practice.

Tony Head, actor, states, “We have reached a time in this country where there

are many different animal care professions that provide tremendous service to

our animals beyond veterinarians. These practitioners should be allowed to

freely practice. After all, this is for the animals!â€

Issue: States can easily add a clause that will give the consumer the right

to choose their own care by simply adding an exclusion to the law that allows

written consent from animal owners to have non-veterinary practitioners

treating their animals. The industry wants to limit all animal care to only

veterinarians and control the use of natural therapies and feed. In some states

it

would even make it illegal for animal owners to seek any form of animal advice

or

care except from a licensed veterinary for their animals. These laws need to

be updated and reflect the consumer’s right to choice.

The Coalition for Natural Health has been active in lobbying for the freedom

of choice for natural health care for people and now is directing efforts to

assist animal owners and professionals to allow the shared practice of animal

care. In September 2003 the Coalition of Natural Health, a lobbying group in

Washington DC, has agreed to take on the efforts of Freedom of Choice for Animal

Care to lobby for the rights of pet and animal (guardians) owners. The

Coalition’s Executive Director, Boyd Landry, stated, “The Coalition is

excited

about the opportunity to lead the effort to allow non-veterinary practitioners

to

practice without fear of prosecution.†In this Landmark step animal

professionals and guardians will have direct access to what the state’s

current laws are

and have input in reshaping the laws concerning Animal Care.

What you Can Do

 

1. Contact your own legislature and State Veterinary Board and let them know

you want “freedom of choice†to choose animal care. Your state may need to

change its laws now.

 

2. Go to www.naturalhealth.org for state-by-state up to date information.

 

3. Make a donation to support this lobbying effort, before it is too late.

 

4. Remain informed and Ask Questions.

Dwayne Hubbard, V.N.D

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Dianne

Ravette-Jodevin Collies

Owner/Co-founder: Jstsayno2vaccs

Owner/Founder: HolisticGroomer

 

" A great dog is not defined by an absence of faults. A great dog is defined

by the presence and strength of his virtues. " - Joyce Avery, Ravette Collies