Legislation – What’s Hot

April 2020

Kelly S. Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison
Sharon Coleman, CFA Legislative Legal Analyst

COVID-19 is creating challenges in every aspect of our lives. As the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic requiring measures to reduce contagion, state governments needed to reassess their normal practices. Some state legislatures were close to adjournment and ended their sessions early. Others not in session postposed the start date. Some state legislatures that were still in session, temporarily suspended their sessions as state employees needed to work remotely, group meetings were restricted or not permitted, and others with legislative business could not safely do it in person. Most states were able to stop working in accordance with laws and session rules governing adjournment or suspension in systems designed for tight schedules and deadlines. For states that set dates certain to resume, the evolving measures to combat the pandemic are requiring adjustments that make keeping state by state information lists difficult to keep current. Ballotpedia has an informative page, “Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, 2020”. For up to the minute information, check state legislatures’ websites and do internet searches for media sources.

Local governments are grappling with the same issues. They are constrained by state and local orders restricting or prohibiting gatherings even when government work is permitted as essential. Even if remote meetings may be legally allowed, implementing the requirements may be difficult or infeasible. With changing circumstances daily and the increasing need to reduce contagion from asymptomatic carriers, check local information frequently to determine the status of scheduled public meetings.

Breeders subject to USDA, state or local breeder licensing should check for information about any planned changes for renewal or administrative procedures or to routine inspections including social distancing among people and necessary personal protection and sanitation measures to prevent contagion.

Every animal owner, must be aware of the conditions that are and will be affecting the ways we care for them in obtaining their food, veterinary care and keeping them safe. As the pandemic is evolving, there are local, regional and national factors to be aware of and plan for as we move through this period of uncertainty. While obtaining pet food and veterinary care are or should be deemed “essential services” to remain available, the realities require knowing what is actually available and how to obtain it. Much of this information is local, but when ordering must be done, supply and delivery times can be uncertain. In some areas, routine veterinary services are also being discontinued until it is legal and safe for veterinary personnel and clients to resume normal activities. Pet owners may find it difficult to obtain vaccinations, any kinds of elective procedures or diagnostics, routine exams or health certificates if needed. Check regularly on local veterinary practices and plan accordingly including prescriptions. Fanciers may also want to look into mobile veterinary services that may be available. Another veterinary service that is beginning to fill the gap are telemedicine video visits (same for humans, too.) Veterinary practice regulations had been expanding to allow these and may be being relaxed more quickly due to the emergency. Check individual practices to determine details of availability, appropriate use and eligibility, technical requirements and costs. Otherwise, the restrictions on access to care are increasing and practice staffing decreasing so be aware of local conditions and special needs. Anyone, breeder or otherwise planning to transfer animals should carefully consider whether there are safe, feasible ways to do this or to delay until conditions change.

Another concern is whether animals can catch COVID-19 from people or vice versa. Two cats, two dogs, and a tiger in a New York zoo have been reported to be infected with the coronavirus. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), porous materials such as paper money and pet fur tend to absorb and trap the virus, making it difficult to contract by touching these types of items. Since there is much to learn about COVID-19, the AVMA recommends that you let someone else care for your animals whenever possible should you become sick .

Ultimately, the best thing we can do for our pets is to stay healthy ourselves. As that is not entirely in our control, make sure your emergency planning is in place as you would during hurricane season or wildfire season. Knowing you have sufficient supplies in case you are quarantined and have a plan for your pets care will reduce your stress levels. Contact your vet and your local emergency veterinary clinic so you know how they will be operating during this time. With the fluidity of the situation, this can change quickly and without notice. Check on friends and family periodically. Stay up-to-date on coronavirus news from trusted sources that include data and trend analysis and frequent updates. These include state and local health departments and special projects of major newspapers. The AVMA is a useful resource for the pandemic and how to handle it for both pet owners and veterinarians.

There will be cat shows again. In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy. For fanciers in the medical and veterinary fields, or other essential businesses, thank you!

Recent CFA Legislative Group Blog Post:
What’s Hot…………Georgia Surety Bill, Minnesota Companion Animal Board Bill, and Palm Springs, CA Proposed Restrictive Breeder Permit Ordinance