January 30, 2008

Editor
Washington Post

[note: this letter was sent via email]

If the alleged abuses of cows at a California slaughterhouse are true ("Video Reveals Violations of Laws, Abuse of Cows at Slaughterhouse," January 30), they are examples of deplorable acts of animal cruelty.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which represents more than 76,000 veterinarians, including food supply veterinarians, considers such actions inexcusable and intolerable. We are confident that the United States Department of Agriculture will investigate this alleged cruelty to the fullest extent and impose the strictest penalties if the allegations are confirmed.

This incident, however, underscores the need for more food supply veterinarians to help ensure that animals destined for our nation's food supply are kept healthy and safe, and are humanely treated. This includes the dedicated veterinary professionals in the United States Department of Agriculture.

For years, the AVMA has been actively pursuing passage of federal legislation to ensure that veterinary workforce issues are adequately addressed and our food supply remains one of the safest in the world. It is unfortunate that it might take a disturbing event such as this to prod Congress into action.

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