Agricultural News
Horse Owners and Cattle Producers Talk to Lawmakers About Teeth Floating and other Animal Husbandry Practices
Wed, 17 Feb 2010 6:18:53 CST
Farmers and ranchers from across the state rallied at the State Capitol on Tuesday, supporting a livestock owner’s right to lawfully perform traditional animal husbandry practices as well as equine dentists, chiropractors and farriers at the discretion of the livestock owner. Several dozen horse owners showed up, as well as some 60 members of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, talking to lawmakers about HB3202 and SB1999.
"We think your animals or horses are your property, and you have the right to choose who works on them," State Rep Don Armes told them after they jammed into a committee room. "These are not people, these are horses. There’s a difference.” He added that "I don't hate veterinarians. But, I'm not moving. And I don't want you moving, either." Armes was speaking of some amendments that have been promoted by some lawmakers on behalf of the Oklahoma Vet Medical Association.
Armes tells us that the House version of the legislation could be considered by the full House as early as next week. The Senate version, SB1999, could be voted on by the full Senate as early as today.
This issue is more than just an Oklahoma dispute- but has garnered national attention. Lee McGrath is the Executive Director of the Minnesota office of the Institute of Justice, a non profit advocacy group that has represented people in eminent domain and private property rights cases around the country. He says this is a jobs issue for equine dentists and others who want to perform these animal husbandry practices- and a private property rights issue for owners of livestock.
Both bills would allow equine dentists to practice in the state without facing criminal charges. It also has language allowing livestock owners to use third party providers for services like embryo transfer in their cattle operations. Legislation approved in 2009 made it a misdemeanor for equine dentists to work on horses unless under supervision of a veterinarian. A law passed two years ago made the offense a felony; an equine dentist was arrested and charged last year, and horse owners during last year’s session successfully led efforts to change the law. There were two interim studies held in the fall of 2009- and the issue has generated a tremendous level of groundswell from all over the state.
Click on the listen bar below to hear comments from Don Armes as well as Lee McGrath. You can also hear comments from State Senator Mike Schulz by clicking here for today's Beef Buzz.
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