Gag - another law we don't need . . .
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unl...-in-oklahoma-for-illegal-horse-dentistry.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unl...-in-oklahoma-for-illegal-horse-dentistry.html
Rodeo rider Bobby Griswold arrested in illegal horse dentistry
5:25 PM, April 23, 2009
A professional saddle bronc rider named Bobby Griswold has become the first person arrested on suspicion of breaking a new Oklahoma state law making it illegal to perform dental work on a horse without a veterinary license.
Griswold, a resident of Geary, Okla., was charged this week with a felony for performing illegal dentistry work on a horse last month. He also faces charges stemming from the possession of veterinary drugs, a misdemeanor, the Oklahoman reports.
A statement on Griswold's website calls the new law "absurd" and adds that the rodeo star is trained in filing horse teeth, a practice called "floating," the offense he is accused of. Griswold "is out of jail on bond and is preparing to vigorously defend himself," the statement says.
The law, according to its sponsor, Rep. Brian Renegar, is intended to protect horses from potential complications of the sedatives used during the procedure. Although veterinarians are trained to administer these medications, laymen "horse dentists" could bring about a horse's death should they make a mistake, Renegar intimated in an interview with ESPN.
After public outcry over the arrest, legislators are considering a change in the law, according to the Oklahoman. A group called the Coalition for Oklahoma Teeth Floaters has even been formed to lobby state lawmakers.
Griswold isn't expected to serve jail time.
--Lindsay Barnett
