Dr. Martha H. DeWeesThe AVMA has adopted a policy calling for veal calf housing systems that allow animals greater freedom of movement.
On Saturday, the AVMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly passed Resolution 16, which states the AVMA "supports a change in veal husbandry practices that severely restrict movement, to housing systems that allow for greater freedom of movement without compromising their health or welfare."
The House Advisory Committee submitted the resolution, which noted how the AVMA recognizes that veal calf production is well established, can be humane, and can ensure the welfare of calves. Veterinarians and veal producers are encouraged to cooperate to provide management and housing systems that, among other things, permit calves to stretch, stand, and lie down comfortably.
Resolution 16 was one of two measures addressing veal calf housing to come before the HOD. Resolution 14 was submitted by petition and directed the AVMA to support group housing systems rather than individual calf crates.
Delegates voted to refer Resolution 14 to the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee, which has been engaged in a review of the scientific literature concerning veal calf housing systems for nearly a year. During the HOD's deliberations over the resolution, Dr. Gail C. Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division, explained that the review will likely be completed in time for the committee's fall meeting.
Some delegates did, however, encourage the HOD to pass Resolution 14. "If people actually take time to look at the science, they will come to the conclusion that Resolution 14 is the right decision to make," said Dr. Gary I. Block, Rhode Island alternate delegate.
Dr. Block worried that not passing the measure could leave younger veterinary students with the impression that the AVMA is "irrelevant" on animal welfare issues.
Oregon delegate Dr. Martha H. DeWees disagreed, saying Resolution 14 appeared to be micromanaging and discouraged the HOD from passing the proposal. "If we vote in favor of this, we invite AVMA micromanaging of every animal welfare issue there is," she said.
A majority of delegates supported referring the resolution to the Animal Welfare Committee and awaiting its report. Dr. Golab said the committee's review is comprehensive and would deal with issues other than housing, such as nutrition and socialization.
