Opinion: There are Colorado veterinarians worried about Proposition 129. Here is why I’m one of them.

I can no longer stay quiet as the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL), an organization I once proudly served, champions a proposal that puts the animals that veterinarians are sworn to protect in harm’s way. DDFL is backing Proposition 129 — a measure that would allow underqualified and inadequately trained individuals to perform medical procedures that should be left in the hands of fully licensed veterinarians.

This isn’t just bad policy — it’s a dangerous gamble with the health of our pets and is unlikely to benefit pet owners in the ways supporters claim. As someone who is dedicating their life to animal welfare, I must speak out.

I worked as a veterinarian at DDFL for almost three years with around 15 to 20 other fully licensed veterinarians who DDFL keeps on staff. For two years, I sat in multiple meetings at DDFL concerning the proposal that became Proposition 129. My colleagues and I raised serious concerns about the proposal, including how individuals with so little hands-on training could be trusted with such high-stakes procedures and responsibilities. But our concerns were brushed aside in favor of expediency. Now, with Proposition 129 on the ballot, it is clear that our concerns were never taken seriously.

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