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Whitey Herzog testifies before a House committee.

March 9, 2004
By: Almitra Smith
State Capital Bureau
Links: HB 837

Cardinals baseball great Whitey Herzog was at the state Capitol testifying on behalf of man's best friend. Almitra Smith has more from Jefferson City.

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Whitey Herzog testified in favor of a bill that would allow physical therapists to treat dogs.

Right now they can, but there must be a vet on site.

Herzog says that doesn't make sense.

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Contents: "I can understand having a certified trainer and so forth. But what I don't understand is why does a veterinarian have to be readily available on the premises twenty-four hours a day. Now, it's almost like professional baseball, who pays for that?"

Herzog says he testified to support his friend Gene Gieselmann. Gieselmann founded an animal rehabilitation facility, which closed as a result of the current rule.

A house committee is considering the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Almitra Smith.

Date:03/09/04

By: Almitra Smith

State Capital Bureau

Cardinals baseball great Whitey Herzog was at the state Capitol pitching a cause for dogs. Almitra Smith in Jefferson City explains.

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Whitey Herzog says dogs should be treated equal to humans when it comes to physical therapy. He testified at a House committee hearing considering a bill that would allow physical therapist to treat dogs.

Right now they do, but only with a veterinarian present.

Herzog says that doesn't make any sense.

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Contents: "That's why I say that these animals, the way the rules read in Missouri are being treated better than the damn human beings and that doesn't make sense to me"

Not everyone agrees with Whitey. Before the committee, one veterinarian said a vet needs to be present to be responsible for the animals and protect the public.

From the state Capitol, I'm Almitra SmithDate:03/09/04

By: Almitra Smith

State Capital Bureau

Cardinals legend Whitey Herzog is gone to the dogs. Almitra Smith in Jefferson City explains.

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Whitey Herzog testified in favor of a bill that would allow physical therapists to treat dogs without a vet present.

Whitey says if humans don't need a doctor present while a physical therapist works, why should dogs.

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Contents: "Why does a veterinarian have to be readily available on the premises twenty-four hours a day. Now, it's almost like baseball in professional sports today. Who pays for that? If that rule is going to revail in the state of misssouri or any other state I say fans in baseball pay for the high salaries. It's going to be the same thing in the state of missouri, and I'll tell you why, because the customer is going to have to pay a hell of a lot more if we're going to have a veterinarian on the premises twenty-four hours a day."

A veterinarian spoke against the bill.

She says physical therapists may not always be properly trained at working with dogs.

From the state Capitol, I'm Almitra Smith.