ASSEMBLY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, Nos. 2365 and 2371

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY 3, 1997

      The Assembly Education Committee reports favorably an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill Nos. 2365 and 2371.

      This committee substitute provides that the clinical and hospital procedures which may be required for graduation from an institution of higher education as a veterinary technician may be completed at an animal shelter provided that the shelter has a full service veterinary hospital. Current law also prohibits "experimentation" on shelter animals and permits licensed veterinarians to participate in the State spaying and neutering program. The substitute clarifies that clinical and hospital procedures performed by a student enrolled in a veterinary technician program under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian are not "experimentation" under State law provided they have been authorized by the veterinarian as necessary for the good health of the animal. The substitute also provides that students enrolled in such programs may assist a licensed veterinarian with sterilizations at animal shelters.