March 5, 2008

General James T. Conway
Commandant, United States Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
3000 Marine Corps
Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350

General Conway,

On behalf of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), representing more than 76,000 veterinarians, I commend the United States Marine Corps (USMC) on its swift action regarding the video of a Marine stationed in Kaneohe, Hawaii allegedly abusing a puppy. The public outcry in response to this case underscores the value our society places on the importance of animals in our lives and on the human-animal bond. If the allegations prove true, the AVMA encourages the USMC to appropriately discipline the individual(s) involved in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

The AVMA greatly appreciates the efforts of many members of the U.S. military to protect the health and welfare of animals put in harm's way by military action; the military works to safeguard animals in training areas, the military cared for the animals in the damaged Baghdad Zoo, and military members have adopted animals through proper channels from war zones and shipped them home to more safe and comfortable lives in the U.S. In addition, military veterinarians are working every day in Afghanistan and Iraq to help those countries rebuild their agricultural infrastructure. If the alleged abuse in this recent case is verified, we hope that this incident will not overshadow the positive efforts of the US military with regard to the preservation of animal health and welfare.

On the other hand, soldiers do not only serve their country as defenders—they also serve as role models. In this age of 24/7/365 Internet news coverage and viral video spread, ethical and legal transgressions are readily and rapidly publicized. When a respected role model is involved in such a transgression, the effects can be far-reaching. We encourage the USMC to enforce the UCMJ and discipline soldiers involved in violence against animals.

Sincerely,

W. Ron DeHaven, DVM, MBA
Executive Vice President
American Veterinary Medical Association