Prop. 129 divides Colorado's veterinarians
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A veterinarian treats a kitten in Arvada. Photo: Seth McConnell/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Veterinarians in Colorado are clashing over Proposition 129, a state ballot measure that would create a first-in-the-nation mid-level role between veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Why it matters: Colorado voters will have the final say on a contentious issue that industry experts can't agree on.
The big picture: If approved, the measure would change Colorado law to allow veterinary professional associates, or VPAs, to perform routine surgeries and make diagnoses — practices currently limited to veterinarians.
- The new master's degree program would include three semesters of online classes and two semesters of clinical practice.
- By comparison, licensed veterinarians undergo eight or more years of education while vet technicians need a two-year associate's degree.
State of play: Supporters say the measure will alleviate Colorado's severe veterinarian shortage and make pet care more accessible with potentially lower costs.
- Opponents say it could put pets at risk because veterinary associates would receive less training for surgery and other procedures. They also cite inconclusive data for their doubt that the measure would lower pet care costs.
The intrigue: The issue has even split some of Colorado's animal welfare community. For example, the Dumb Friends League, a prominent backer of the measure, has faced internal pushback.
- DFL staff veterinarian Allison Black says she and colleagues have opposed the initiative for two years, but feel their concerns have gone unheard.
What they're saying: "I cannot stand by and let Colorado voters be misled by this irresponsible ballot measure," Black said at a news briefing Tuesday.
The other side: Other veterinarians say the ballot measure is critical to address the fact that only about 3,800 licensed vets in the state treat 2.5 million dogs and cats.
- They also point to Colorado State University's recent survey of veterinarians. It found that 70% of them turn away animals every week because they can't keep up with demand.
- Jo Myers, a veterinarian in rural Colorado, told Fox31 she believes associates will be "incredibly well trained to care for pets," noting they will work under veterinarians' supervision.
Yes, but: The measure doesn't specify whether that supervision would be in person, something opponents take issue with.
The bottom line: With veterinarians on both sides of the issue, Colorado voters will be challenged to make a final call with little expertise.
Go deeper: 1-minute voting guide: Proposition 129 would establish a new veterinary position in Colorado