Denver upholds pitbull ban, Texas shelter dismantles its gas chamber, and a lions death spurs calls for an exotic pet ban in Indiana.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has expressed concern over a recent report on feral cat management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The AVMA recently revised a piece of the Veterinarian’s Oath, in order to place more emphasis on animal welfare.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) On-Site Consultation Program is a popular, mostly risk-free way for small businesses to obtain help identifying workplace hazards, advice on OSHA compliance, and assistance in establishing safety and health protocols. OSHA conducted more than 30,000 visits to small businesses under the program in the last fiscal year alone. The program is voluntary, confidential and free, and is completely separate from OSHA’s enforcement staff, so it does not result in penalties or citations. Participants may also qualify for exemptions from OSHA inspections for several years after the consultation. In effect, businesses that have demonstrated a willingness to work with and comply with agency safety regulations are rewarded with the exemptions. However, changes proposed by OSHA would limit the amount of time that a business is exempt following a consultation, and would also broaden OSHA’s power to investigate businesses even if they qualified for the exemptions. Critics say that the changes could remove the incentives for small businesses to take part in the program, resulting in poorer all-around workplace health and safety awareness.

The number of people hospitalized due to dog bites in the United States increased by 86 percent between 1993 and 2008, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reported.

 A Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member has invented a lifelike simulator to help student train for veterinary emergencies.

Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, have found a correlation between hormone levels and personalities in birds.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a statement In response to the passage of a new puppy mill law in Missouri.

Don’t miss out on the timely and informative stories on Trends Today. Some recent stories that have appeared are: · CO veterinarians save bobcat · NYC shelters cut back on help · Study examines risks of landscape edging · Cats have distinctive drinking style · Check out the Tip of the Day!

A veterinary technician with the University of Florida Veterinary Hospitals recently attained the title of Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia.