HONOLULU -- A bill that would give more power to the Board of Veterinary Medicine, has advanced at the state Legislature, with no opposition.

However, animal rights groups were not successful in amending the bill and calling for stricter penalties for those who practice veterinary medicine without a license.

The house Consumer Protection Committee was concerned the more potent laws could have unintended consequences on people like farmers. The committee decided to send the proposed amendment to the house Judiciary Committee.

The proposed amendment elevates the criminal penalty for those who practice veterinary medicine without a license from a misdemeanor to a class C felony, which carries a jail term of up to 6 months and fines of up to $500.

Judiciary chairman Jon Riki Karamatsu said the proposed amendment has a good chance in his committee. “There’s allegations out there that certain surgical procedures are being done, and you really need a license to do surgical procedures for the welfare of the animal,” he said.

Animal rights groups are hopeful the veterinary bill will be amended to include the tougher penalties. “We’re happy that the bills going to continue to move forward. Our next job is to work with the judiciary chair and try to bring out more people to support the bill and the proposed amendment,” said Alicia Maluafiti of Poi Dogs and Popoki.

The Judiciary Committee will review the proposed stricter penalties before a public hearing next Tuesday.