GUEST COLUMN: I’m a Colorado shelter vet who opposes Proposition 129

As a shelter veterinarian in Colorado, I have dedicated my career to caring for the most vulnerable population of animals in our state.

This work has given me a deep understanding of the challenges we face in improving the welfare of homeless pets. With that in mind, I must voice my serious concerns about Proposition 129, which seeks to establish a new, mid-level role in the veterinary field, the role of veterinary professional associates (VPAs).

This role is being marketed to the public as a mechanism for improving access to and affordability of veterinary care for pet owners, when the reality is that those most likely to benefit from this Proposition are businesses and corporations. Not only are pet owners unlikely to benefit from Proposition 129, it will lower the standards in veterinary medicine and put pets’ health and welfare at risk.

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Opinion: We elect people to make laws like Prop. 129. Vote no.

This election season voters are being asked to make laws governing wildlife management, the
state budget, and occupational licensure. Don’t we pay people to do this work? Turns out we do!
Colorado legislators earn an average of $42,738 a year to pour over information about the costs and benefits of proposed laws, hear from stakeholders, and balance competing interests.

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EDITORIAL: NO on Proposition 129 — for the sake of Colorado’s animals

Coloradans love their dogs, cats and other pets. Two of every three households in our state own at least one. Coloradans also appreciate the other domesticated animals that play roles in our lives, like horses and of course livestock.

Naturally, we want them all treated humanely and to be well cared for, including giving them first-rate veterinary care.

Which is the best reason to oppose Proposition 129 on this fall’s statewide ballot.

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COLUMN: Voters shouldn’t decide future of veterinary medicine

There is a veterinary care ballot question going before voters in November, backed by Gov. Jared Polis and Heidi Ganahl. It is, once again, a perfect illustration of why Colorado’s citizen-led ballot proposal question must be remedied.

Rep. Karen McCormick, a retired veterinarian, brought forward HB24-1048 Providing Veterinary Services Through Telehealth and HB24-1047 Veterinary Technician Scope of Practice last session. Both were signed into law after going through multiple committee hearings and ample public comment.

The veterinary telehealth law allows for and defines different types of telehealth veterinarians may legally utilize by establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with consent of the client. This replaces the requirement that the patient be examined in an in-person, physical examination. It also allows a veterinarian to refer a patient to a specialist and affords that specialist to provide services under the referring veterinarian’s relationship.

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Proposition 129 could change delivery of veterinary care in Colorado

DENVER — This fall, Colorado voters will decide a ballot measure that supporters say will help alleviate the state’s veterinarian shortage. But opponents say it will make things worse and put pets in danger.

As a licensed veterinarian for 40 years, Colorado State Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, is a leading voice on animal-related issues at the state capitol.

Now, she’s leading the charge against Proposition 129, which voters will see on November’s ballot.

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Paid for by Keep Our Pets Safe.
Katie Kennedy Registered Agent.

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