Veterinary State Legislative 2007 Year-End Summary — December 31, 2007
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

On specific topics, we continue to see states increase penalties for animal cruelty, with 43 states now providing felony penalties. States are also defining new offenses in their statutes, such as removal of an electronic dog collar and interfering with a service animal. Four states passed laws in 2007 enabling family pets to be included in domestic abuse orders of protection, and North Dakota joined the growing list of states allowing pet trusts.

New Mexico and Louisiana were the last states to make cockfighting illegal, while in July, dogfighting received national attention with the federal indictments against football star Michael Vick.

Six more states adopted language restricting dog tethering. We are not aware of any states enacting breed-specific dog legislation in 2007, but several bills pertaining to microchip identification of dangerous dogs were adopted.

Colorado now requires veterinarians to report instances of animal cruelty and animal fighting, while North Carolina and Oregon adopted immunity for reporting animal cruelty.

California experienced an emotional and hard fought battle on the issue of spay/neuter for dogs and cats. A bill calling for mandatory sterilization was shelved, although a narrower version that addresses irresponsible owners may be introduced next year.

Maine will have new voluntary humane handling and slaughter standards for livestock, while Oregon legislatively prohibited extensive confinement of pregnant sows starting in 2012. California is bracing for a ballot initiative in 2008 on confinement of pigs, calves, and hens on farms. Several proposals to ban the use of cages to confine egg-laying chickens were defeated in state legislatures.

The legislative aftermath of Hurricane Katrina continued in 2007 with eight more states adopting legislation enabling the rescue of domestic or service animals during a disaster. Three states passed legislation specifically authorizing veterinarians to provide volunteer services in the event of a declared disaster.

The authority of non-veterinarians to treat animals is still a huge issue for state legislators and regulatory bodies. Massage therapists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors and equine dental technicians all generated activity related to animal practice. See the section below titled “Scope of Practice/Complementary and Alternative Medicine” for details.

The pet food recall generated interest in the area of non-economic damages, but no legislation was enacted to provide damages in pet litigation beyond the economic value of a pet. New Jersey, however, is considering a bill that would significantly enhance damages in cases related to pet food.

+ Year-end summary (PDF; 137 KB)

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