Article - March 28, 2008 - Post-Bulletin

Vets, owners differ about animal chiropractors

ST. PAUL -- Some of Minnesota's veterinarians aren't too keen on chiropractors getting their hands on dogs and cats.

A bill moving through the Legislature would let chiropractors treat animals as long as they get additional training.

Jim Hulbert of St. Paul plans to take his Cairn terriers to an animal chiropractor in Wisconsin, where it's legal. One has a tail carriage problem and the other an irritated paw.

Hulbert is pushing the Minnesota legislation, which would require animal chiropractors to have at least 210 hours of special training.

The bill would require an animal chiropractor to contact the animal's vet after the first visit. But critics, mostly veterinarians, say the bill isn't strict enough.

Some other states require a veterinarian to be in the room or on the premises when an animal is treated. Others require a veterinarian's referral.

Robert Washabau, chairman of the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, said he's against the bill because a pet owner doesn't need to take an animal to a vet before they see a chiropractor.

He also said 210 hours of training is not enough.

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