Urge the CVMB to support bills to protect animals
30 second task to advocate for animals.
Support the declaw ban
Click here to send an email to the VMB in support of the declaw ban.
Click here to send an email in support of AB-1289 the Smart Climate Agriculture Program
Click here to send an email in support of all 3 bills.
The California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) is having their meeting April 22nd and 23rd where they will be discussing important California bills that affect the veterinary profession.
This is an important opportunity for us to advocate for animals! All it takes is a quick email.
The agenda states that "due to potential technical difficulties, please consider submitting written comments by April 15, 2021, to VMB@dca.ca.gov for consideration."
We have created a pre-written comment for you to submit using the buttons above, but feel free to edit it and put it in your own words.
You can view the meeting agenda here.
The CVMB will also be discussing SB-585 which is the prohibition on declawing cats. Historically the CVMA has opposed the bill. Many veterinarians and members of the public have signed the petition urging them to follow the science and compassionate policies and ban the cruel practice of declawing. You can also sign the change.org petition here that has close to 50,000 signatures.
This practice has already been banned in many countries and municipalities. California is falling behind.
There are two additional bills that affect animals and One Health that the CVMB should support, that are not on the list.
They are:
AB-1289 Smart Climate Agriculture Program: plant-based agriculture- This bill will give financial assistance to farmers to transition from animal-based farming to plant-based farming, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions, toxic runoff, antibiotic use, animal use, and water use, and help farmers become more secure financially.
AB-558 School meals: plant-based food and milk options: California School Plant-Based Food and Beverage Program This bill will increase access to plant-based foods in our schools.
Consumption surveys show that 95% of Americans consume a fiber deficient diet, which is a public health concern. Additionally, according to the 2020-25 Dietary Guideline report 90% Americans under-consume vegetables & 70% Americans over-consume meat, dairy and eggs.
Recent research shows we will not be able to achieve our greenhouse gas emissions goals without addressing our food system. In 2019, Americans ate a record setting 223.7lbs of meat despite growing concerns about the environmental, public health concerns, antibiotic resistance, negative impacts on local communities, water contamination, and of course the suffering of animals in factory farms.
Veterinary medicine also has a key role to play in global food security. The disproportionate harm caused to the environment and climate change by animal agriculture worsens food insecurity, providing another reason for veterinarians to advocate for decreased consumption of animal products in the United States. In order to decrease the suffering of animals and the effects of climate change, the veterinary profession should join together and encourage policies that decrease the number of animals being raised for food on our planet.
Click here to send an email to the VMB in support of the declaw ban.
Click here to send an email in support of AB-1289 the Smart Climate Agriculture Program
