Vet Fined & Barred for Talking About Animals

[douglas9]

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (CN) - The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners unconstitutionally suspended a 69-year-old veterinarian for giving free advice on the Internet, the longtime vet claims in Federal Court.
Ronald V. Hines, D.V.M., sued the nine members of the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in Federal Court.
He challenges their rule that bars him from giving advice to owners via his website without first physically examining their pets.
"It should not be illegal for veterinarians to give veterinary advice," Hines says in the complaint. "This First Amendment challenge seeks to vindicate the free-speech rights of plaintiff Dr. Ronald Hines, a 69-year-old, Texas-licensed veterinarian. Since 2002, Dr. Hines has provided-for free and for a nominal fee-veterinary advice to pet owners across the country and around the world. For many of these pet owners, Dr. Hines is the only realistic option. Despite his good works and the absence of even an allegation that his advice has harmed any animal, the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners suspended his license, fined him, and forced him to retake the jurisprudence portion of the veterinary licensing exam because Texas law forbids a veterinarian from giving advice unless he or she has first physically examined the animal. The State Board's actions violate the First Amendment because the Board cannot carry its burden of proving that silencing Dr. Hines is a necessary and appropriately tailored way to advance Texas's interests."

http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/04/10/56537.htm


http://www.2ndchance.info/

[get the red out]

1. Stupid

That's the equivalent of "ask a nurse" programs for humans. It might save someone money they can ill afford if a Vet can tell them that what they are seeing might be serious or probably not; or save a pet if he gets someone to see a Vet who might otherwise wait and see too long on their pet's symptoms.

I know I was on the phone to the emergency Vet clinic in town two weeks ago when our dog suddenly started throwing up uncontrollably. Decided to take her in and I am glad I did because she didn't stop until they gave her some medication. She was fine but I worry what might have happened if I had not called them to seek advice and waited.

[IrishAyes]

4. Of all the things I have to yelp about in RedNeckLand,

... one immense blessing is our area's only veterinarian. He takes care of all animals large and small, livestock and pets, and does what he can to ease financial burdens. For instance, if I'm facing a large and unexpected bill, he has no problem letting me pay on time if needed because he knows my word is good. (He doesn't take credit cards.) I even buy a year's worth of Comfortis flea prevention because it's so much more economical per dose that way. I have to crush it and parcel out the right amount for the dogs myself, but then I'm not some homicidal idiot either.

Not every vet in the world will let you do that.

[hobbit709]

2. What pissed them off is that he was doing it for FREE.

[IrishAyes]

3. Disgusting

Then they might as well shut down the entire internet and take all the medical shows off tv. Damn the anal retentive excrement.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. General veterinary advise does not require exams.

I suppose that they are worried that the people who get his advise will not be visiting their own vet, and that will take money out of their pockets. Isn't it always about money!

[hamsterjill]

6. I use his website a lot!

This is ridiculous. Since in Texas, companion animals are still defined as "property", it should be my choice as to whether or not I need to have a dog or cat seen physically by a veterinarian.

For myself, personally, I tend to err on the side of caution and take mine to my local vet more often than other people might. But I like having the website available for reference, etc.