Companion Animal Board Bill 

The Companion Animal Board bill was introduced in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session. The MVMA CAB Task Force has carefully reviewed this bill; we encourage our members and others to oppose it. Below you is information developed by the MVMA in collaboration with other individuals and groups that outlines our position and concerns. Questions regarding this information, or if you wish to comment please contact us at [email protected] or call the MVMA office at 651-645-7533.

 

   
CAB Bill - Senate
CAB Bill - House

Handouts are coming

Letters of Opposition
Letter from AVMA 
Letter from The Minnesota Horse Council
Letter from Minnesota Purebred Dog Breeders Association
Find and contact your legislator here.

 

Companion Animal Board Bill (SF1136) and (HF1168) Talking Points
The MVMA supports addressing all aspects of animal welfare in regards to companion animals. This work is currently supported by the Board of Animal Health (BAH), veterinarians, Minnesota Federated Humane Society (MFHS), and animal shelters throughout our state.

  1. The CAB bill will disrupt the current effective and efficient method for dealing with companion animal disease and welfare concerns. It is impossible to separate health and welfare from disease in animal welfare situations. This bill will add a layer of bureaucracy and confusion to a system that is currently working well.
  2. The mission of the BAH is “to protect the health of the state’s domestic animals through education and cooperation with veterinarians, producers, owners and communities.” The BAH has done an outstanding job carrying out this mission for over 100 years.
  3. The BAH effectively manages the health and well-being of dogs and cats through inspections of commercial dog and cat breeders. More recently the BAH has developed a Breeder of Excellence Endorsement to recognize high quality breeders. The BAH has created a Companion Animal Advisory Task Force specifically focused on the needs and concerns of companion animals in our state.
  4.  There are serious public health and state agricultural concerns in creating the CAB. This bill would include many of our important livestock species being kept as companion animals including backyard poultry flocks and pot belly pigs. The BAH faces critical threats with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and African swine fever (ASFV) that could readily threaten our livestock industry. Our concern is that a duplicative state board could slow down or hinder quarantines or other actions toward these crossover species.
  5.  The CAB bill is asking for $750,000 to provide solutions to the veterinary staffing crisis, to attract and retain veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The MVMA believes that this effort should arise from existing state, education and industry partners. A first step is supporting the Veterinary Technician Licensing Bill (HF 2553, SF 1522).
  6.  The CAB would be a 13 member board specifically tasked with protecting companion animal welfare; with only 4 veterinarians as board members, this does not provide adequate representation of individuals with the necessary scientific knowledge, credentials and expertise in veterinary medicine.
  7.  The CAB would be allowed to "accept gifts, grants, or contributions from any source to support the purposes of the Board”.  Sources may include Federal and State governments, foundations, special interest groups, or individuals. No other MN State Boards have this type of special interest funding.
  8.  The BAH and MFHS are willing and able to increase their work and surveillance around companion animal welfare when further direction and funding is presented from the legislature.
  9. The vision of the MVMA is to continue the work that is defined in our veterinary oath, to use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare and the prevention of animal suffering. In addition to the work that is currently being carried out by the BAH and MFHS, the MVMA supports the creation of the Office of Animal Protection (SF 1411, HF 1850).  The proposed duties of animal crimes investigation, training and outreach efforts, a creation of a central dangerous animal database, and disaster relief coordination for domestic animals are needed and are not duplicative.

Please contact members of our task force or the MVMA, 651-645-7533 or [email protected], if you have any questions or comments regarding our position. Go to www.mncab.org for information developed by proponents of the bill.

Contact your legislators and use talking points to describe why they should oppose this bill.

Don't know who your legislators are? find them here