A: Criminal penalties apply only to gross negligence resulting in preventable death or serious injury - not honest mistakes or unavoidable complications. Human medical professionals face similar criminal liability for gross negligence. Veterinary medicine deserves equivalent professional standards that protect both animals and ethical practitioners.

A: Current disciplinary processes aren't sufficient, as evidenced by recurring preventable deaths. Professional self-regulation works best when coupled with external accountability. This law elevates veterinary medicine by establishing clear, uniform standards that protect good veterinarians from bad actors.

A: The three-strike provision allows for isolated incidents while protecting animals from repeat offenders. Appeals processes remain available. This parallels other professional licensing systems that protect public safety.

A: Competent practitioners benefit when incompetent ones are removed from the market. Public confidence in veterinary care increases when standards are enforced. Clear liability frameworks actually protect you from frivolous accusations.

A: Clear standards educate clients about what constitutes genuine negligence vs. unavoidable complications. Transparency builds trust rather than suspicion. Your clients trust you with family members - Iluka's Law ensures that trust is protected industry-wide.

A: Professional pride comes from maintaining high standards. What kind of profession do we want to leave for future veterinarians? Public trust is earned through accountability, not protection of bad actors. This attracts quality professionals to the field.

A: The database only includes substantiated complaints and final disciplinary actions. Good veterinarians have nothing to fear. Public disclosure allows animal owners to make informed choices and protects them from practitioners with established patterns of problems.

A: Animals deserve protection from preventable suffering, regardless of their legal status. Economic losses from negligent veterinary care hurt farmers, ranchers, and families. Veterinary medicine has evolved to the point where it deserves professional standards equivalent to human medicine.

A: Professional licensing already involves government oversight. This simply establishes clear consequences for gross negligence, similar to other licensed professions. The goal is protecting the public (including animals) while maintaining professional autonomy for competent practitioners.

A: We're open to amendments that address legitimate concerns while maintaining core protections. Let's work together to craft legislation that serves animals AND professionals. Your input helps ensure fair implementation.

A: If you oppose these accountability measures, what alternative solutions do you propose to prevent preventable animal deaths? The status quo isn't working - we need concrete steps to improve professional standards.