Impediments to Solving the Pet Overpopulation Problem
- The Number One Factor
The Price of Spaying or Neutering
- From a vet's perspective
In Ontario, the O.V.M.A. (Ontario Veterinarian Medical Association) sets "recommended fee schedules" for vet services. According to the O.V.M.A. vets can charge more or less than the recommended fee schedule for their services, at their sole discretion.
The "Steering" Regulations of the C.V.O.
- for Animal Welfare Organizations
The purported "intent of (Sec. 38) Ontario Regulation 1093 is to allow owners to freely choose the veterinarian who will care for their animal. It allows the new animal owner to develop a relationship and confidence in a veterinarian who they have personally chosen to care for their animal throughout its life."
Keeping in mind that C.V.O. (College of Veterinarians of Ontario) "decisions focus on the public interest, not on member advocacy", how exactly does this particular regulation benefit the public or "protect the public interest"? Your guess is as good as mine.
On-line Petition to rescind Steering Regulations of the C.V.O.
According to K.Smythe of the C.V.O. (in an email dated 12/10/07) the process for amending the legislation governing the practice of veterinary medicine is as follows:
The item is processed by the C.V.O. staff; then
sent to the C.V.O. Executive Committee and, likely,
to legal Counsel, before going to
C.V.O. Council for consideration
If Council approves a change/amendment/addition, then it
is researched further and drafted by staff and legal Counsel, then
sent to our membership and to a wide range of stakeholders for consultation, and
submitted to the Ontario Government for further approval through their staff and legal counsel
the final decision is then made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, i.e., the Provincial Cabinet
The entire process usually takes between four and five years.*
*Note that, at no point, is the public consulted in this process.
I believe there is a faster, more effective way of dealing with this particular problem. A petition, signed by members of the public who are directly affected by these particular "steering" regulations of the C.V.O. and presented directly to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Low-cost Spay/Neuter Programs Across Canada*
- not a complete compilation*
Spay/Neuter Programs Canada - 2007
- compiled by Spay Neuter Resources (Kingston)
- "High volume" spay/neuter clinic still in need of funding
