I support this petition because what many may not realize is that students in years 1-3 are already required to shadow senior veterinary students, residents, and clinicians, as part of their education. Additionally, the professional clubs provide opportunities for students to shadow and assist with procedures in a minor capacity, such as restraining an animal for a procedure or holding something at the ready for a clinician. Practical training also includes simply observing procedures and other interactions with clients and patients. In NO way are animals placed at some kind of additional risk. I think many people who oppose this petition are imagining inexperienced first year students taking it upon themselves to perform unsupervised medical treatments on someone's pet. This would never ever happen as no tech or clinician would ever allow it and any student found doing that would be considered for removal from the program. Practical training may be a broad term but no training is done unsupervised or beyond a student's experience level. Early practical training in extremely simple things allows for far better preparation for senior year and beyond. Early clinical experience has been introduced because of reports that students were unprepared for senior year, in even simple concepts. Practical knowledge goes much farther than book learning. Lastly, have some faith in veterinary medicine. We do this and accept heavy responsibilities, lower salaries, and large student debts because we love animals and desire to be their caring doctors. Inhumane and unethical treatment of animals is not what our profession is known for.