Tennessee removes licensing requirements for shampooing, animal ... - WZTV

[massage]

Tennessee woman's case against criminal charges for horse massages being reviewed by state. PHOTO: Laurie Wheeler and her horse Jazz

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —
Lawmakers removed requirements for Tennesseans who shampoo hair or perform animal massage following lawsuits by a Tennessee advocacy group.

According to the Beacon Center, Gov. Haslam eliminated the state law requirements with the support of legislators for washing hair.

Soon after, legislators also voted to temporarily repeal the state veterinarian board's rule requiring a veterinarian license to massage animals. This comes after the Beacon Center challenged the rule in court.

Laurie Wheeler and Martha Stowe from Williamson County sued the state of Tennessee after being threatened with a fine and possible jail time for massaging horses.

Previously, the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Board regulations said you have to be a doctor to massage horses even though you can perform much more invasive procedures without a license.

Stowe said she is grateful the foundations's work.

"I truly appreciate everything the Beacon Center has done for me," Stowe said. "When it felt like all hope was lost, the Beacon Center came in and took on my case for free so that I could continue doing what I love for a living, massaging horses. I am forever grateful and hope that they will help more people like me in the future."

The Beacon Center commended the state legislature's leadership on these issues.

"We are extremely happy that Tammy, Laurie, Martha, and thousands of other Tennesseans can now go back to doing what they love," said Justin Owen, CEO of the Beacon Center. "We commend the state legislature and Gov. Haslam for helping put Tennesseans back to work."


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