Some Alabama lawmakers want to make sure that nonprofit spay and neuter clinics can keep their doors open.
The House of Representatives approved a bill on Tuesday that would allow veterinarians to work for the nonprofits.
Birmingham Democrat Rep. Patricia Todd says the low-cost clinics are needed to address Alabama's pet overpopulation problem, and to try reducing the number of animals that are euthanized each year.
State law currently says that veterinary medicine practices have to be owned by veterinarians. Todd says a state board has threatened to close the clinics.
Todd says many people can't afford to take their animal to a full-service vet clinic for the operation.
Representatives approved the bill by a 58-37 vote. It now moves to the Alabama Senate.