The Horse occasionally fields a question from someone wanting information about what the veterinary practice act allows a non-veterinarian to do legally in the reader’s home state. That’s not a surprise. State statutes can be difficult to track down and clarity seldom is a hallmark of legislative language. Sometimes it is necessary to cross-reference several statutes and then plug in state-specific definitions. A personal favorite is the definition of “cattle” in Kentucky: “horse, mule, ass, cow, ox, sheep, hog, or goat of any age or sex.” Who knew “cattle” meant more than cows!

We cannot interpret state statutes or answer specific questions about the law. That would be the unauthorized practice of law, which the Kentucky Bar Association and my malpractice carrier both frown upon. Readers who need advice about a legal question should consult a local attorney familiar with the state’s practice act. There are some shortcuts, though. The American Veterinary Medical Association compiles summaries of the veterinary practice acts in each state and updates them on a regular basis