Operators of some nonprofit clinics that spay and neuter animals say new rules being considered by a state board could cause them to close their doors.
The Birmingham News reports (http://bit.ly/Uy6Wib) that the proposed rules are under consideration by the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
If approved, the rules would prohibit non-veterinarians from hiring veterinarians and would prohibit non-veterinarians, including non-profit groups, from owning veterinarian equipment.
Mark Nelson, executive director of Alabama Spay/Neuter in Irondale, says the rules would make it difficult for his clinic to stay open.
The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners will hold a public hearing on the rules Oct. 10.
The proposed rules indicate the board wants to make sure veterinarians are making all decisions that could affect animals.
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Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press
