Oklahoma livestock producers spend the better part of the day making sure their cattle, horses and other livestock are comfortable and well fed. It’s good for the animals and it’s good for business.
In an effort to support livestock producers, the state legislature is protecting producers’ rights to humanely treat livestock with traditional animal husbandry practices. HB 3202 allows horse owners to employ trained and certified equine dentists to properly care for their animals.
Skilled equine dentists may require prescribed medication to treat livestock and therefore should be allowed to purchase drugs from a licensed veterinarian and administer the medication when necessary. Livestock producers support the use of prescribed medication as part of a veterinarian to livestock relationship.
Opponents of this legislation want to make this an illegal drug issue.
“This is misleading and irresponsible,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “Regulated drugs have been and will continue to be purchased from a veterinarian, just like certain drugs for humans require a doctor’s prescription. Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm organization, along with other farm groups, support the lawful use of veterinary pharmaceuticals.”
The OFB President said livestock producers understand the need to work closely with veterinarians to provide the best possible care for their animals.
“Farm Bureau has long been concerned about the growing shortage of large animal veterinarians in rural areas,” Spradling said. “Because of this shortage, producers often rely on equine dentists to provide valuable services for their animals.”
“Legislative leaders have worked long and hard this session to develop legislation beneficial to producers and the livestock they care for, while protecting the public,” Spradling said.
