For Animals

Press Release

The Coalition for Natural Health Takes on Animals Too
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: December 15, 2003
Re: Animals, Laws, General Interest, and Business Practices
Contact: Boyd J. Landry, Executive Director, 800-586-4264 or boydlandry@naturalhealth.org

Background: 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 “definition” 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!”

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.

Animal Articles

The content of the Coalition for Natural Health's web site is provided for information purposes only. The Coalition does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided on this web site or incorporated into it by reference. The information on the Coalition's web site is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the site undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.

Links

The content of the Coalition for Natural Health's web site is provided for information purposes only. The Coalition does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided on this web site or incorporated into it by reference. The information on the Coalition's web site is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the site undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.

The information contained in the Coalition's web site is not to be displayed except in full screen format. No liability is accepted for any information or services which may appear in any other format. No responsibility is taken for any information or services which may appear on any linked sites.