CONTACT: Rep. Considine
(608) 266-7746
Madison – A bipartisan bill authored by Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) with Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) received a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on Health today. Assembly Bill (AB) 522 would allow first responders to administer basic first aid to domestic animals before being transferred to a veterinarian.
“I’m very proud to see this bill moving forward,” said Rep. Considine. “For many people, pets are part of the family. This is a practical fix that will simply allow our emergency personnel to help save a pet’s life until they can get the animal to a trained vet.”
AB 522 would not require emergency personnel to provide first aid to an animal, and would provide them with immunity whether they choose to administer care to the animal or not. The bill is supported by the Humane Society, the Wisconsin EMS Association, the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, and a number of local sheriffs and first responders.
“I truly appreciate the constituent that first suggested this idea to me, Rep. Kitchens and Sen. Cowles for working with my office on it, and Rep. Sanfelippo for holding a hearing,” Rep. Considine added. “This bill goes to show that when we listen to the people we represent and focus on what we have in common, we can bring forward great ideas.”
