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Vets and animal shelters on different sides of the fence
Posted: 03.12.2013 at 11:14 PM
Shyann Malone

Shyann Malone joined the WACH Fox News team as an anchor/reporter in January 2012.

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A newly proposed bill has animal groups on opposing sides.   / Shyann Malone
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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Veterinarians and animal rescue organizations are generally on the same page when it comes to helping animals, but a newly proposed bill has the groups on opposing sides.

The newly proposed bill would mean tight restrictions for animal shelters.

Advocates of the bill think that animal shelters are practicing veterinary medicine without proper regulation, however, rescue organizations disagree and argue that the bill is about money.

Dr. Brett Feder has been a veterinarian for 26 years, he is in favor of the bill that would put tighter restrictions on animal shelters.

"This has been portrayed as veterinarians and shelters against each other and we all have the same overall goals, " said Feder.

The bill would change the way animal shelters operate.

The people who run rescue organizations are not on board with the bill.

"People who want to do the right thing people who want to get an animal from an animal shelter unfortunately it's going to cost them a lot more to do so if these measures are put into place which means that less people will be adopting which means that more animals will be put down in shelters," Tracy Johnson, Pawmetto lifeline.

Some of the changes would require animal shelters to keep medical records for each animal and would limit shelters on performing certain surgeries, forcing them to outsource the procedures.

"I think that it is unfortunately a misguided attempt to increase profits," said Johnson.

Both groups admit that they want the best treatment for the animals, but disagree on how to achieve that.

"I think most people in my opinion those who don't understand exactly what the bill is trying to achieve I think it's been portrayed as vets trying to regulate they shelters for their own profit which is absolutely not true," said Feder.

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