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Bill

A 1612

Authorizes emergency medical care personnel to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 1612 allows emergency medical personnel to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats, improving animal welfare and increasing survival chances in emergencies.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 1612

Summary of Bill A 1612

Bill Number: A 1612
Title: Authorizes emergency medical care personnel to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats
Status: Referred to Higher Education
Introduced: January 10, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1612 aims to expand the scope of practice for emergency medical care personnel by allowing them to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats. This legislation recognizes the importance of immediate medical attention for pets in emergency situations and seeks to enhance the overall welfare of animals by enabling trained personnel to offer timely assistance.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization of First Aid: The bill specifically authorizes emergency medical care personnel, such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), to administer basic first aid to domestic animals, including dogs and cats.

  • Training Requirements: While the bill does not detail specific training requirements, it implies that personnel must have adequate training to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the care provided to animals.

  • Scope of Care: The legislation focuses on basic first aid measures, which may include actions such as controlling bleeding, performing CPR, and stabilizing injured animals until they can be transported to a veterinary facility.

Affected Parties

  • Emergency Medical Personnel: Paramedics and EMTs will be directly impacted as they will gain the authority to provide care to pets in emergency situations.

  • Pet Owners: The bill benefits pet owners by increasing the chances of survival and recovery for their animals during emergencies, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership and care.

  • Veterinary Services: Veterinary clinics may experience changes in their operations as emergency personnel begin to provide initial care, potentially leading to a more streamlined process for treating injured animals.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 10, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:

    • A 7608
    • A 715
    • A 3798
    • S 3970 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide context or additional provisions that could influence the discussion and potential amendments to A 1612.

Conclusion

Bill A 1612 represents a significant step towards improving emergency care for pets by empowering emergency medical personnel to provide essential first aid. By addressing the needs of animals in crisis situations, this legislation aims to enhance animal welfare and support pet owners in ensuring the health and safety of their companions. Further discussions in the Higher Education committee will determine the bill's future and any necessary adjustments to its provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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