A non-profit organization is suing the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners after the Board voted to define "animal massage" as a form of veterinary medicine, thus requiring a license.

The Beacon Center Legal Foundation filed the lawsuit on behalf of Martha Stowe and Laurie Wheeler of Franklin, Tennessee, claiming the law is unconstitutional. According to news reports, Stowe and Wheeler, who make their livings doing horse massage therapy, were at risk of being fined and even serving potential jail time if they continued the practice.

"Both the U.S. Constitution and Tennessee Constitution protect the right to earn a living, meaning individuals have a right to pursue a chosen business or profession free of arbitrary or excessive government interference. This regulation clearly runs afoul of that right," said Beacon Center Litigation Director Braden Boucek. "The Vet Board is now requiring a license to rub a horse. It is time we stop criminalizing compassion. What's next, a license to pet your dog or feed your cat?"

—Source: tackntogs.com