News

Get the latest on CVMA news and veterinary updates from around the state.

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Many Colorado veterinarians may have heard about a new requirement in the State Board of Veterinary Medicine rules (Rule 1.2(G) on page 9) for substance use prevention training for licensing. Here's what you need to know about the new requirement: The new rules are based on SB19-228 (Substance Use Disorders Prevention), which was passed during the 2019 Colorado legislative session. Read more about the background of this bill and the new rules. The new rules went into effect on November 30, 2019 and require any veterinarian who is seeking a...

Updated 2/11/20: The Senate Committee on Local Government unanimously passed an amended version of this bill to the Appropriations Committee. See more. Originally published 1/24/20: CVMA is monitoring Colorado SB 20-104, Powers of Bureau of Animal Protection Agents. CVMA supports the legislative intent of the bill to protect companion animals from cruelty and neglect, and the need for clarification of the powers of Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) agents. CVMA also supports ensuring that BAP agents have effective, efficient structure and authority that facilitates their important work in a variety of settings...

Updated 2/10/20: In a 7-4 vote, the Denver City Council voted on Monday to change a Denver ordinance that would allow pit bulls to be owned and kept within the city of Denver with a breed-restricted license. Mayor Michael Hancock is expected to make a decision on whether he will sign or veto the bill as early as Friday, February 14 but no later than Sunday, February 16. The new rules would go into effect in May if signed into law by Mayor Hancock. Owners would be required to apply for a...

We're excited to welcome a new addition to our staff team! H. Howells, DVM, joins CVMA as the Manager of Education and Business Development. Dr. Howells will be responsible for managing CVMA's educational content development as well as business development with sponsors and other CVMA partners. Dr. Howells completed her veterinary medical education in 2010 at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Before that, she had explored various career options, including teaching and working as a musician, before returning to her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. In addition to her...

CVMA President-elect Dr. Jackie Christakos testified on behalf of CVMA during the committee meeting on HB 20-1084 Requirements for Dog and Cat Breeders and Sellers on Monday, February 3. CVMA opposed the bill due to concerns about the bill's impact on animal health and possible unintended consequences. The bill failed to pass out of committee and has been postponed indefinitely. Listen to or read the full testimony below. [audio wav="https://d3cban8v3q1zt4.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/20200206202436/HB-1084-testimony-3.wav"][/audio] Thank you, Mr. Chair. My name is Dr. Jackie Christakos, and I am the President-elect of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association. I appreciate the...

The CVMA Board of Directors has voted to oppose Colorado HB 20-1084, Requirements for Dog and Cat Breeders and Sellers, in its current form. CVMA has requested that the sponsors of the bill conduct robust stakeholder meetings on the bill. CVMA supports the principle that Coloradans be able to adopt or purchase healthy, safe pets. Among CVMA's concerns about the bill are the following: The bill’s legislative declarations are not fully accurate. The bill requires practices that are not consistent with research-based healthy breeding practices for female dogs. The bill undercuts...

With the 2020 legislative session underway, CVMA is actively monitoring, supporting, and opposing a variety of legislative matters on behalf of CVMA members and the Colorado veterinary community. One is a proposed Denver city ordinance that would amend Denver's Ordinance Section 8-67 (Pit Bulls Prohibited). Under the proposed amendment, pit bulls could be owned and kept within the city of Denver provided the owner obtained a breed-restricted license. CVMA actively supports this legislation and is working with Denver City Councilman Christopher Herndon, the bill's sponsor. CVMA will testify with the Dumb Friends...

Protecting the practice of veterinary medicine in Colorado and advocating for veterinarians is one of CVMA's most important missions. CVMA's efforts at the state legislature is a key benefit of being a CVMA member -- we do the heavy lifting so that you can focus on doing what you do best: Ensuring animals receive the care they deserve. The 2020 Colorado legislative session kicked off Wednesday, January 8. CVMA is actively monitoring bills that have the potential to be introduced during this legislative session and is aware of several upcoming bills...

The rendering industry is asking for veterinarians' help in euthanization of livestock. The FDA has determined that pentobarbital is a hazard in ingredients fed to pets and other animals and that animals euthanized with pentobarbital cannot be rendered to make food for pets, poultry, and livestock. The FDA has a zero tolerance for pentobarbital in animal food. For euthanized livestock or other large animals to be rendered, non-chemical forms of euthanisia must be used per the FDA. Using pentobarbital for animal euthanasia is a problem because a renderer cannot distinguish animals...

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