Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
June 2021 NewsBytes
MDVMA's monthly e-news

Missed the last NewsBytes? View it here.
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Maryland's Highest Court Rules in Favor of Pet Owners
Source: AVAM Division of State Advocacy
Last week we received news of a favorable ruling on the noneconomic damages case that has been pending in Maryland’s highest court for some time. The court also mentioned the joint brief filed by the AVMA and MDVMA. This case was to consider and address the scope of compensatory damages available in the case of the tortious injury or death of a pet. 
 
Maryland statute (Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. (“CJP”) § 11-110) allows pet owners to recover specific capped economic damages for the death or injury of their pet as a result of a tort. The specific economic damages allowed are the fair market value of the pet and the reasonable and necessary cost of veterinary care if the animal is killed. If the animal is injured the allowed damages are for reasonable and necessary veterinary care. At the time of the incident in this litigation, the cap was $7,500. The legislature has since increased it to $10,000.
 
It was argued that this section of law only applied to economic compensatory damages and did not apply to other potential damages, such as non-economic damages. The court found that “It would also be illogical for CJP § 11-110 to apply a cap solely on damages related to fair market value and reasonable and necessary veterinary expenses while allowing pet owners to recover an unlimited amount of other compensatory damages for their emotional loss.” The majority indicated that the legislature is best suited to weighing the various competing policy interests, noting that the AVMA and MDVMA brief pointed out that awards of non-economic damages would increase the cost of veterinary care and pet owners might not be able to afford these necessary products and services. However, the court also wrote that “The Legislature may wish to amend CJP § 11-110 in response to the various policy arguments, in this case, to allow for other forms of compensatory damages in cases involving the tortious injury or death of pets.”
 
In conclusion, the court found that CJP § 11-110 clearly defines compensatory damages and non-economic damages are not available for the death or injury of a pet as a result of a tort and caps the amount received in damages. It does not permit for the recovery of other forms of compensatory damages not expressly included within the statute. The case was decided with a 6-1 majority.
Pentobarbital Shortage
CAETA International News Release
Source: Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy

Loveland, Colorado, June 1, 2021 - In May 2021, the FDA announced a shortage of pentobarbital, the most commonly used drug for humane euthanasia of companion animals. This is due to the unavailability of the active pharmaceutical ingredient at the factory level. Read More
Call for Articles
Maryland Veterinarian Summer Issue

Small Animal | Large Animal | Equine | Exotic | Specialty
Surgery | Practice Management | Financial Planning
Veterinarian Technology | Health and Wellness, etc.

Click HERE to submit an article. Deadline is July 12.

Veterinarian Needed for Rabies/Microchip Clinic in College Park
The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) in College Park, MD does an annual rabies/microchip clinic as a free service for the residents in College Park and needs a veterinarian to assist gratis. If necessary, a small honorarium to cover costs is available. 
 
The clinic will take place on a Sunday in October from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. If interested, contact Sheryl DeWalt.
Serve as a Trustee on the MD Veterinary Foundation Board
MDVF Trustees are stewards of the foundation's assets. Responsibilities include a clear understanding of the foundation's mission, active participation in meetings and fundraising events, and monitoring of investment performance and activities to ensure appropriate and demonstrable impact.

Want to make a difference in the lives of Maryland's future veterinarians? Contact Marisa Francis.
Ensure the Future of Veterinary Medicine in Maryland
Industry News
More than 130 Years of Service

Since 1886, the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association (MDVMA) has protected the interests of veterinarians in Maryland. MDVMA is the only statewide professional membership association dedicated exclusively to the profession of veterinary medicine and the interests of the veterinary team.

2020-2021 Executive Officers
Dr. Shadawn Salmond-Jimenez, President
Dr. David Handel, President-Elect
Dr. Matthew Keats, Vice President
Dr. Elizabeth Cottrell, Secretary/Treasurer

Dr. Andrew O'Carroll, AVMA Delegate
Dr. Jenny Krueger, AVMA Alt Delegate
Dr. Robert Silcox, Director at Large
Dr. Richard Street, III, Director at Large