State legislatures are fast becoming battlegrounds over the practice of veterinary medicine. Legislation addressing a range of veterinary-related issues, from animal confinement to complementary and alternative medicine, is becoming increasingly common. Last year alone, more than 225 animal welfare bills were considered in legislatures across the country.
Gone are the days when veterinary medicine was left only to veterinarians. As the status of animals is examined more closely, a growing number of people are speaking out about how they think animals, which they consider valued members of society, should be cared for. For instance, there are calls for tighter regulations over the food animal industry as well as exemptions to allow chiropractors and other nonveterinarians to provide medical care for animals.
