SACRAMENTO, California, April 17, 2012—AB-2304, the teeth scaler bill, failed to pass the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on April 17. The final vote on the 9-member committee was 6 opposed with 3 members abstaining or absent. While reconsideration was granted as a courtesy to the author, it is unlikely the bill will be taken up again this year.

The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) launched a massive opposition effort in response to AB 2304, a bill that would have allowed laypersons, not under the supervision of a veterinarian, to clean the teeth of a household pet. The legislation was defeated thanks to the efforts of members, their clients, the Veterinary Medical Board, and CVMA lobbyists, legislative team, and staff.

The CVMA mobilized over 7500 members and non-members and they answered the call with letters and phone calls to both District and Capitol offices. They informed their clients and the opposition grew. The CVMA is grateful to all California veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, veterinary staff, clients, and friends in the animal welfare arena who assisted in this opposition effort. We also thank state legislators who recognized that this bill would have resulted in consumers being misled and serious harm to household pets.

Dr. Jay Kerr, CVMA President, commented, “We are very pleased that our voices have been heard and that current law has been upheld limiting the use of dental scalers to medical professionals.”

Source: California Veterinary Medical Association