|
The 'Jellicle Cats' portrayed in the junkyard during Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical "CATS" are more commonly known as feral or free-roaming cats. Balancing the welfare of these cats with the concerns of the community in which they live, including their impact on wildlife, presents many challenges. Factors to be considered include responsible pet ownership, predation, sterilization, public health, euthanasia, and biodiversity.
This year the AVMA welcomes six noteworthy speakers from both sides of the fence who will provide valuable information for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, wildlife biologists, legislators, representatives of humane organizations and shelters, and members of the public interested in the management of abandoned and feral cats.
Related issues are numerous and complex, and affect the lives of millions of cats in the United States. Speakers at the 2003 Animal Welfare Forum will present their perspectives on:
- How unowned, free-roaming, feral and/or abandoned cat populations are defined
- What role the veterinary profession should play in addressing this issue
- Effective ways to achieve reduction of unowned, free-roaming cats
- Whether TNR programs are in the best interest of native wildlife, public health, and the cats themselves
- Whether feral cat colonies can be managed to extinction by TNR programs
- How programs designed to benefit one species can have a negative impact on other species
Two panel discussions will facilitate interaction between forum attendees and speakers.
*Courtesy of Faber & Faber Ltd, (c)1981 |
 Top
8:00 |
Introductions |
8:10 |
Understanding Issues and Solutions for Unowned, Free-Roaming Cat Populations
Margaret R. Slater DVM, PhD |
9:05 |
Humane Strategies for Controlling Feral Cat Populations
Julie K. Levy DVM, PhD, DACVIM |
10:00 |
Break |
10:15 |
Survival Analysis of Managed Feral Cat Colonies
Michael K. Stoskopf DVM, PhD, DACZM |
11:10 |
Panel Discussion |
Noon |
Animal Welfare Award Presentation and Lunch |
1:30 |
Professional, Ethical, and Legal Dilemmas of TNR Programs
Paul L. Barrows DVM, PhD, DACVPM |
2:25 |
TNR Programs-The Reality and the Impacts
Linda Winter |
3:20 |
Break |
3:35 |
The Welfare of Feral Cats and Wildlife
David A. Jessup DVM, MPVM, DACZM |
4:30 |
Panel Discussion |
5:15 |
Reception |
The AVMA recommends 7.5 hours of continuing education credit be awarded for Forum attendance. Certificates will be provided at the meeting. |
|
Top
Registration for the Forum will be conducted on a first-received, first-registered basis. On-site registration will be available only if capacity has not been met before October 17, 2003. You may register by mail, phone (847-925-8070 ext. 6666), or fax (847-925-1329). Forms are available by contacting the AVMA or by downloading the form online (PDF) and returning it by fax or mail.
The registration fee includes educational sessions, refreshment breaks, the luncheon, the reception, and one copy of the Forum proceedings when they become available.
Full refunds will only be provided for cancellations received in writing before October 17, 2003. Cancellations received after this date will result in a partial refund.
Top
The Animal Welfare Forum is the highlight of Animal Welfare Week, which focuses on veterinarians' roles in ensuring the welfare of animals. The recipient of the 14th annual AVMA Animal Welfare Award will be recognized during the day's activities.
Top
The Chicago Marriott Northwest is located approximately 30 miles west of O'Hare International Airport. A limited number of rooms are reserved for attendees on a first-registered, first-served basis. Reservations must be made directly with the hotel by calling 847-645-9500. You should indicate your preference for the AVMA room block and specify any need for special accommodations or assistance. Rate per night is $109 (single or double; guaranteed through October 10, 2003). Directions will be provided when your Forum registration is confirmed.
Attendees qualify for the AVMA's special rate with United Airlines for travel to and from Chicago. Tickets may be obtained through Travel Matters, the official AVMA travel agency, at 800-733-4180, or through United Airlines at 800-521-4041. Please specify tour code 551SC.
Top
Call Darci Reagan, Forum coordinator, at 847-925-8070 ext. 6666.
|
|
