We’re Not Done Yet

“They’re a deaf and obstinate group, this Board,” one of you said to me as we entered the most recent stage of our campaign to require owner consent for veterinary student practice. Those characteristics were on full display at their meeting on July 21. With 56 people commenting in opposition to their issuing regulations lacking this requirement, 45 of them asking for a new comment period, and a full week left in this comment period, the Board decided that they would NOT permit a new comment period but would let the regulations go into effect as written. “Wait,” you may say. “How can they do that when the guidelines say that the regulations take effect unless 25 or more people ask for a new comment period?!” And I have no answer for you, other than that they don’t seem to think that the rules apply to them. Two years of steady work have moved the Board about half way from where we started towards where we need to be, but with this decision, they’ve made it clear that they will move no further. And that means that we need to shift our efforts to a different venue. I have already started that process, but it would be unwise for me to say more at this time. Some in the opposition have signed this petition, I presume so that they can stay aware of what we are doing, and it’s never a good idea to share strategy with the opposition. So thank you for your help so far, and please stay tuned for future developments. I’ll let you know when it’s time to swing back into action. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions: LeeHenkel01@gmail.com