An actual catfight is expected this week at the state Capitol
State of play: State lawmakers and animal welfare advocates are offering competing solutions to address the state’s veterinarian shortage , one through legislation and the other at the ballot box.
- The pending legislation and ballot measure take diametrical approaches to telehealth services and the role of veterinary assistants.
- “It’s almost like we’re eating our own,” state Rep. Karen McCormick, a vet with four decades of experience, told John.
Why it matters: The split between animal-loving allies is part of a big-dollar national fight about the future of animal care .
Zoom in: Today, House lawmakers will consider two bills led by McCormick that seek to protect the current system.
- The legislation would require an initial veterinary examination to take place in person before telehealth treatment is allowed and expand the role of existing veterinary technicians when it comes to treatment.
What they’re saying: “I want to make sure Colorado stays aligned with the FDA and USDA definition of the [veterinary-client relationship] and we … do not compromise the integrity of veterinary care we deliver across the state,” McCormick (D-Longmont) said in an interview.