FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 19, 2003

CONTACT:
Nancy Stephens at info [at] faaor dot org

OWNERS WANT HEALTH CARE CHOICES FOR THEIR ANIMALS

Tallahassee - - With thousands of Floridians seeking alternative health care and wellness options for themselves, such as massage and acupuncture, those that are animal owners want the same kind of services for their treasured animals.

The Florida Alliance for Animal Owners Rights, Inc. (FAAOR), established in July, 2003, is seeking to change laws, rules and policies in Florida in a manner that would allow:

  1. animal owners to legally seek alternative health care and wellness therapies from non-veterinarians;
  2. encourage veterinarians to provide animal owners with more options in health care for their animals; and
  3. allow knowledgeable persons who wish to offer alternative health care and wellness therapies and counseling for animals to do so legally in Florida.

Today, any non-veterinarian who administers any treatment to an animal for the prevention, cure or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease may be found guilty of a third-degree felony. Also, any non-veterinarian who makes a determination of the health, fitness or soundness of an animal may be found guilty of a third-degree felony. The trigger is a complaint filed against the individual by anyone.

FAAOR is drafting legislation for 2004 to allow owners to have legal choices of alternative animal health care therapies and therapists, without becoming criminals or having the therapy providers become criminals.

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  • FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR ANIMAL OWNERS RIGHTS

  • 1912 Hoot Owl Hill
  • Tallahassee, Florida 32317
  • Contact: info [at] faaor dot org