Support SB 785 – An Animal Welfare Board Act
PVMA needs you, our valued members, more than ever. Please take the time to share your support for Senate Bill 785 by contacting Pennsylvania State legislators today.
Yaw Reintroduces Bill Creating Animal Welfare Board
HARRISBURG –Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) recently announced the reintroduction of legislation to create an Animal Welfare Board in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 785 would create an 18-member Animal Welfare Board to review existing laws and regulations and make recommendations to the General Assembly for action. The board would meet at least once each legislative session or at […]
Statement on Xylazine
On behalf of the of The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, we want to thank Governor Shapiro’s Office for their quick action to hear our concerns and their willingness to work with us regarding the scheduling of xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance.
Xylazine is an FDA-approved prescription sedative with pain-relieving and muscle relaxing properties for use in animals. It is one of the most widely used veterinary drugs across many species, including cats, dogs, horses, cattle, deer, elk, rats, mice, wildlife, and zoo animals.
H.R. 1839/S. 993 (Combating Illicit Xylazine Act)
Illicit xylazine has been found to be an adulterant in illicit fentanyl and heroin and can contribute to overdose deaths and the development of chronic sores in drug users. Xylazine is an important veterinary sedative used to facilitate the safe handling of many species and is particularly important in livestock. Sedation of fractious animals is essential to keep people and the animals on which they work safe.
Updating Pennsylvania’s Dog Law: Proposed Increases to Dog and Kennel License Fees and Changes to Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement Operations
January 25, 2023 – The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (BDLE) has been operating in a deficit for several years and annually requires a transfer of funds to maintain operations. This has prevented the BDLE from hiring a new warden when a position is vacated, thus resulting in the Bureau being understaffed. It is for this reason that in 2022 the Department of Agriculture reached out again asking for increases to both dog and kennel license fees. Representative Eddie Day Pashinski plans to introduce legislation to return the BDLE to solvency and make other important changes to updates to the Dog Law.
Proposed Law for Fair Pet Insurance in Pennsylvania: Mike Schlossberg’s Effort to Protect Pet Owners
January 20, 2023 – For many Pennsylvanians, pets are chosen family who deserve all the love, affection and care their human family receive. As a proud parent — to two humans and two dogs — state Rep. Mike Schlossberg takes that seriously.
Position Statement on Veterinary Nursing
In 2017, NAVTA launched the Veterinary Nurse Initiative in part to address the ongoing credentialed veterinary technician shortage present in Pennsylvania and the rest of the country. NAVTA’s leadership proposes that standardizing the title to “veterinary nurse” enhances public awareness about the role of the CVT/RVT/LVT, as well as providing clarity about the role within the profession.
“Scope of Practice” Alert – Authority of the PA Board of Veterinary Medicine Upheld
As part of our mission to ensure the vitality of the veterinary profession and enhance animal health and welfare, PVMA continues to take appropriate action against those who practice veterinary medicine without a license. Our profession recently saw a significant win in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, released the final adjudication of Maria McElwee v. Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Support SB 907 – An Animal Welfare Board Act
PVMA needs you, our valued members, more than ever. Please take the time to share your support for Senate Bill 907 by contacting Pennsylvania State legislators today.
What Is Senate Bill 907?
SB907 is sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw of the 23rd District (Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Union Counties).
PVMA worked closely with Senator Yaw and staff in crafting this important bill.
The bill would create an Animal Welfare Board composed of stakeholders from different fields and perspectives with one common goal: improving the lives of companion animals.
Senate Panel Discusses PA Dog Law, Animal Welfare Issues During Capitol Hearing
On October 20, 2020, the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee discussed the PA Dog Law and animal welfare issues during a Capitol hearing. In summary, PVMA absolutely opposes overbreeding, inhumane breeding of dogs, as well as breeders that are acting illegally. PVMA opposes SB 44 (Victoria’s Law) and supports SB 1267. Dr. Mary Jane McNamee, PVMA’s […]
