23/10/2024
Proposition 129
Dear friends:
I have been receiving many questions regarding my stance on Proposition 129 and the upcoming election. I am opposed to Proposition 129 and will vote NO.
Proposition 129 would create a new, vaguely defined position called a veterinary professional associate (VPA). A VPA would be allowed to diagnose, treat and perform surgery on pets. A person could become a VPA with very little training. In comparison, a veterinarian goes to a minimum of 8 years of college (4 years undergraduate and 4 years of veterinary school) learning and refining the necessary skills to be a veterinarian. Even after graduation most veterinarians pursue additional training or guidance to be the best veterinarians possible. The Proposition was introduced in response to rising costs of veterinary care and a shortage of veterinarians.
Proponents of this proposition include organizations who think this would decrease their cost of veterinary care or the cost of employing veterinarians. I believe the focus should always be on the care of our pets.
Those opposed to Proposition 129 include most professional veterinary organizations such as the AVMA and CVMA as well as many individual veterinarians. As veterinarians we care deeply about all animals. The concerns I have are that a VPA would be put in situations regarding the care and safety of our pets that they simply would not have the required skill or knowledge to perform. This would lead to unnecessary suffering of animals. Our pets deserve the best care possible.
Regarding the shortage of veterinarians. There have been additional veterinary schools opened in recent years and more upcoming that will help with this problem. Also, most veterinary schools have increased their class sizes. The shortage will not be long term.
Regarding additional veterinary costs. This is a multi faceted problem and does not have a simple answer. As a business owner my costs have increased significantly in the last few years. We are all affected by rising costs. The majority of veterinarians are doing this job because we love it. We could have become any other type of doctor for the same amount of schooling, with less debt and had a greater financial reward. But here we are, trying to provide the best care to as many animals as possible and we love it!
Do your own research but I will be voting NO on Proposition 129 to ensure our pets continue to receive the care they deserve from skilled professionals with the highest level of training.
Sincerely,
Kyle C. Dunn, DVM
Canyon Country Animal Hospital
2516 Broadway
Grand Junction, CO 81507
(970) 812-5233
