Dr. Russell Danner recognized with 2025 MVMA Service Award

Dr. Russell Danner's staff nominated him and cited the contributions he has made to his community in Waterville, particularly working with the Humane Society Waterville Area and other organizations. Dr. Danner has also supported the profession by offering job shadowing, internships, externships and volunteer opportunities at his hospital. In their letter to the MVMA, Dr. Danner's staff wrote: "The staff at New England Hospital is proud to nominate our owner and leader, Dr. Russell Danner, DVM, for all the amazing things he has done for this community. He has helped local shelters, has donated to various organizations and fundraisers, takes part in Rabies clinics, and will volunteer for other community causes. We believe he is truly deserving of this award." Congratulations and thank you for all you do for the profession, Dr. Danner!

Dr. Maura O'Brien recognized with 2025 MVMA Distinguished Colleague Award

Dr. Maura O'Brien was nominated by Dr. Marta Agrodnia for the Distinguished Colleague Award. Dr. Agrodnia wrote in her nomination: "Leading by example, she works in a collaborative manner. Whether it is showing how to place a chest tube, a jugular catheter, or discussing difficult cases, she makes herself available to all staff and veterinarians alike.  Her phone is left on, probably too much, and she takes calls from staff and DVMs almost 7 days a week.  It has been my pleasure to work with and learn from Dr. O'Brien these past 8 years.  She truly sets the standard for dedication to the profession.” 

Congratulations, Dr. O'Brien and thank you for all you do for your colleagues here in Maine!

Summary of MVMA Activity During the 2025 Legislative Session

The MVMA Legislative Committe is working hard on our members' behalf to speak up for veterinarians and animals in Maine in 2025. We will provide weekly updates here and you can also see what we are up to on our website.

Summary of 2025 MVMA legislative activity:

• LD 1220, An Act Allow Chiropractors to Treat Dogs and Equids
  • Summary: This bill was introduced by the Maine Chiropractic Association and seeks to allow chiropractors to treat animals.
  • MVMA Position: Opposed
  • MVMA Testimony: Read it here
  • Status: This bill will continue to be worked on into the 2026 session.
• LD 962 An Act to Establish the Offense of Aggravated Operating Under the Influence Resulting in the Death of a Pet
  • Summary: This bill adds felony charges when an individual driving under the influence kills a pet in a motor vehicle accident. It includes noneconomic damages for emotional distress. 
  • MVMA Position: Opposed
  • MVMA Testimony: Read it here
  • Status: Dead

• LD 113 An Act to Require Food Labels to Disclose Use of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Vaccine Material in Food Production
  • Summary: This bill would require special labels on meat products if the animal had been treated with an mRNA vaccine. There are no current mRNA vaccines for animals.
  • MVMA Position: Opposed
  • MVMA Testimony: Read it here
  • Status: Voted ought not to pass by committee (public hearing and work session complete)

• LD 528 An Act to Address the Rise in Rabies in Animals by Appointing Certified Rabies Vaccine Administrators
  • Summary: This bill aims to expand access to rabies vaccines by creating certified rabies vaccine administrators that would work under the state veterinarian. This bill was proposed by the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
  • MVMA Position: Ought to pass - MVMA Chair Dr. Casey Cole worked closely on this bill and the MVMA helped provide input along the way.
  • MVMA Testimony: Read it here
  • Status: Voted ought to pass by committee (public hearing and work session complete)

• LD 765 An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program
  • Summary: This bill adds veterinarians as prescribers to the PMP. Existing law correctly lists veterinarians as dispensers but does not include them as prescribers, even though veterinarians are both dispensers and prescribers. It does not change veterinarians' obligations under the PMP.
  • MVMA Position: Ought to pass; Dr. Amanda Bisol worked with the PMP advisory council on behalf of the MVMA to ensure that this proposed legislation did not change veterinarians' current obligations under the PMP.
  • MVMA Testimony: Read it here
  • Status: Voted ought to pass by committee (public hearing and work session complete)