Ohio lawmakers urged to move bill allowing paramedics to treat injured pets at emergency scenes

COLUMBUS — A township trustee from Columbiana County and representatives of pet advocacy groups in the Youngstown area urged state lawmakers today to move legislation allowing paramedics to treat injured dogs and pets at emergency scenes.

"I am not looking to turn an ambulance into a mobile vet clinic," Robert Swickard, a St. Clair Township trustee who has worked as an emergency responder for more than three decades, told the Ohio House's Health and Aging Committee. "I am not looking for more funding, just a clear path to do what is right."

Swickard and others provided proponent testimony on HB 187, which would authorize first responders, emergency medical technicians and firefighters to assist with hurt dogs, cats and other animals, though it prohibits those responders from administering drugs to injured animals without first consulting a licensed veterinarian.