Rhode Island Considers Debarking BanFebruary 8, 2012Rhode Island Considers Debarking BanRhode Island Debarking Ban, debarking, dog, cat, veterinarianThe Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee will consider a bill on Feb. 15, 2012, that would ban debarking procedures for nonmedical reasons.The Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee will consider a bill that seeks to ban debarking procedures for nonmedical reasons.newslineRhode Island Considers Debarking BanPosted: Feb. 8, 2012, 1:20 p.m. EST The Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee will consider a bill on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, that would ban debarking procedures for nonmedical reasons. Senate Bill 2193 would impose a fine on any person who surgically debarks or silences a dog or cat unless a veterinarian licensed in Rhode Island has filed a written certification with the applicable animal control officer stating that the surgery is "medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness, disease, or injury, or correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the dog or cat medical harm or pain." The maximum fine would be $1,000. A person convicted of violating the law could also be barred from owning or possessing any animals, or living on the same property with someone who owns or possesses animals, for a …
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Oregon May Empower Animal Welfare AgentsFebruary 8, 2012 A bill to be heard Wednesday by the Oregon House Judiciary Committee would allow state police to commission employees of humane investigation agencies to enforce animal welfare laws. The bill, HB4021, defines a humane investigation agency as a private, nonprofit animal care agency that has maintained an animal welfare investigation department for at least five years and has had officers employed as special agents. The state police superintendant would be able to authorize an employee of a humane investigation agency as a humane special agent who has powers and protections afforded by Oregon state police. The employee would have to be certified or eligible to be certified as a police officer under state law, and the agency would need an insurance policy sufficient to satisfy any legal claims. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council opposes the law, saying the legislation could open up breeders, pet stores and pet owners to routine harassment. The council advised its members to contact the Oregon House Judiciary Committee with questions or concerns and, if possible, to attend the hearing. <HOME>
Missouri Mulls Animal Rights LawFebruary 6, 2012 The Missouri House General Laws Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow on a bill that would prevent future laws from granting animals the same rights as people. The bill, HB 1513, would add a new section to Missouri’s Revised Code of Statutes reading: “The laws of this state shall not confer upon any animal a right, privilege, or legal status that is equivalent or that exceeds a right, privilege, or legal status as that which this state confers by law upon a human being. This provision shall not be construed as limiting laws that protect the welfare of animals in the state.” The committee will hold its hearing Feb. 7, 2012, at noon CST in hearing room 4 at the State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Mo. Anti-animal rights group the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners favors the law and asked its supporters to contact members of the committee to voice their support for the law. <HOME>
Missouri Lawmakers To Consider Changes To ‘Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act’February 6, 2012 A bill seeking to modify a voter-approved law that imposes new standards on Missouri’s dog breeders is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011. House Bill 131, introduced by Republican Rep. Stanley Cox, would scale back the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, which was narrowly approved by voters in November 2010. The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, also known as Proposition B, amends the law to require any person who owns more than 10 unaltered female dogs for the purpose of breeding to follow certain standards for feeding, veterinary care, housing, exercise and rest cycles between breeding. It prohibits anyone from owning more than 50 unaltered dogs for the purpose of breeding and selling the dogs’ offspring for pets. The act spurred a heated debate that pitted animal rights groups against breeders and others in the industry who claimed the requirements were excessive and unnecessary. Although the measure has received voter approval, the debate doesn’t appear to be over just yet. State legislators have since introduced several bills, including HB 131, that seeks to modify or repeal the act. As written, HB …
Novartis Warns Of Foreign Tablet Risk With ClomicalmFebruary 3, 2012 (Update: As of Feb. 3, 2012, Novartis resumed U.S. shipments of animal drugs already manufactured at the Lincoln, Neb., plant.) Novartis Animal Health cautioned veterinarians yesterday that foreign tablets may be found in certain bottles of Clomicalm (clomipramine hydrochloride) tablets. The company issued the warning via a “Dear Doctor” letter as a precautionary measure, 17 days after its consumer health division recalled several products packaged at a facility in Lincoln, Neb., over similar concerns. No instances of foreign tablets in Clomicalm bottles have been reported to Novartis. Clomicalm is one of five Novartis products currently experiencing a supply disruption after the company voluntarily suspended operations at the Lincoln facility. Novartis recommended clinic staff open each bottle of Clomicalm and examine its contents for tablets that are broken or are incorrect in color, shape or size. If any abnormalities are found, Novartis recommended returning the product and reporting the findings to the company by calling 800-637-0281. Novartis also issued a “Dear Valued Customer” letter for clinics to distribute to affected pet owners, and recommended that clinics inform clients who have already …
WVC Enhancements Include Exhibit Hall Park, Zumba WorkoutsFebruary 2, 2012 Organizers of the Western Veterinary Conference are touting several enhancements to the event, as it prepares for total attendance of nearly 15,000 to its 84th annual conference, slated for Feb. 19-23, 2012, in Las Vegas. In addition, organizers report more than 900 hours of programming will be offered during the conference, including nearly 700 hours for veterinarians, 80 for veterinary technicians and 68 focused on practice management. The program also offers more than 30 hands-on labs at the WVC’s nearby Oquendo Center, 42 symposia, nine Lunch & Learn sessions and a panel discussion for veterinary technicians interested in becoming specialists. Last year's show featured 875 hours of continuing education, about 30 hands-on laboratories and workshops, more than 30 focused symposia, 18 industry seminars. Organizers reported more than 550 exhibitors will display their products and services in the exhibit hall. “We’ve added our new WVC Plaza, a park-like area for resting and refreshing that will make the exhibit hall even more accommodating with staple WVC features such as the Cyber Café, classifieds board and the scholarship supporting silent auction,” said Joel Altman, exhibits manager. The park will also feature …
Pfizer's FFA/AABP Support Program Returns TodayFebruary 1, 2012Pfizer's FFA/AABP Support Program Returns TodayPfizer, animal health, FFA, AABP, veterinaryPfizer Animal Health's support program benefitting the Future Farmers of America and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Foundation returns today and now includes an option to donate to the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation.Pfizer Animal Health's support program benefitting the Future Farmers of America and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Foundation returns today.newslinePfizer's FFA/AABP Support Program Returns TodayPosted: Feb. 1, 2012, 4:50 p.m. EST Pfizer Animal Health's support program benefitting the Future Farmers of America and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Foundation returns today and now includes an option to donate to the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation. A portion of purchases from qualified Pfizer Animal Health cattle and equine products made between today and April 30, 2012, will be donated on behalf of local veterinarians and animal health suppliers to the local FFA chapter or chapters of their choice, the AABP Foundation-Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund or the AAEP Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, about 1,100 veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealers have participated in the program, raising about $3.6 million for local FFA chapters and veterinary student scholarship funds. …
Vermont Ponders Pet Death Damages BillFebruary 1, 2012Vermont Ponders Pet Death Damages BillVermont Pet Death Damages Bill, vermont pet death, court pet death, noneconomic damages petThe Vermont Senate is considering a bill that would allow pet owners to recover noneconomic damages for emotional stress resulting from the death of a pet.SB 240 reads: "If a person intentionally or recklessly causes the death of a domestic pet…the court may hold the person liable to the pet owner for noneconomic damages for emotional distress resulting from the loss of the reasonably expected companionship, love, and affection of the domestic pet."newslineVermont Ponders Pet Death Damages BillPosted: Feb. 1, 2012, 6:05 p.m. EST The Vermont Senate is considering a bill that would allow pet owners to recover noneconomic damages for emotional stress resulting from the death of a pet. The bill, SB 240, introduced in January by Senators Vincent Illuzzi and Dick McCormack reads, "If a person intentionally or recklessly causes the death of a domestic pet…the court may hold the person liable to the pet owner for noneconomic damages for emotional distress resulting from the loss of the reasonably expected companionship, love, and affection of the domestic pet." The bill has been placed …
Catnip ConfidentialFebruary 1, 2012Catnip Confidential FootnotesCatnip footnotes, Narda Robinson footnotes, catnipThese are the footnotes for Dr. Narda Robinson's February column, Catnip ConfidentialFebruary 2012 Footnotes: Catnip ConfidentialCatnip ConfidentialFebruary 2012 FootnotesBy Narda Robinson, DO, DVMPosted: Feb. 1, 2012, 5:40 p.m. EST These are the footnotes for Dr. Robinson's February 2012 story, Catnip Confidential. To read the article, click here. 1. Robles M, Aregullin M, West J, et al. Recent studies on the zoopharmacognosy, pharmacology and neurotoxicology of sesquiterpene lactones. Planta Medica. 1995;61(3):199-203. 2. Palen GF and Goddard GV. Catnip and oestrous behavior in the cat. Anim Behav. 1966;14:372-377. 3. Adiguzel A, Ozer H, Sokmen M, et al. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Nepeta cataria. Polish Journal of Microbiology. 2009;58(1):69-76. 4. Bernardi MM, Kirsten TB, Lago JHG, et al. Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora (Becker) increases penile erection in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2011;137:1318-1322. 5. Jackson B and Reed A. Catnip and the alteration of consciousness. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1968;207:1349-1350. 6. Osterhoudt KC, Lee SK, Callahan JM, et al. Catnip and the alteration of human consciousness. Veterinary and Human Toxicology. 1997;39(6):373-375. 7. Robinson NG. Valerian root: Herbal valium? Written for Veterinary Practice News in …
Merck To Relocate Animal Health HQ To U.S.January 31, 2012 Merck Animal Health intends to move its corporate headquarters from Boxmeer, the Netherlands, to its Summit, N.J. campus, the company reported today. The company also plans to centralize its commercial and marketing functions in Summit as part of its worldwide strategic plan, which included changing its name in June 2011 from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health to Merck Animal Health in the U.S. and MSD Animal Health outside of the U.S. Merck Animal Health believes it can operate more effectively and efficiently with the centralization of its headquarters' functions in the U.S., according to president Rick DeLuca. The move will bring the animal health headquarters closer to parent company Merck and Co.’s headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J. The Boxmeer site will remain a pivotal part of Merck Animal Health’s global business and strategy, especially in the areas of manufacturing and biological research and development, the company said. Merck estimates about 65 redundancies in Boxmeer as a result of the move, but the facility will continue to employ about …
