Veterinarians are obligated morally, ethically, and philosophically to promote the welfare of all animals, as defined by AVMA policy. Veterinarians should assume a leadership role to help eliminate cruelty, abuse, and neglect of animals in modern livestock production. It is the duty of livestock and poultry producers, the vast majority of whom are vitally concerned with the welfare of animals, to recognize and deal with people who are cruel, abusive, and neglectful in their production practices and to ensure that those practices that are contrary to animal welfare are abandoned or otherwise corrected.

• The AVMA affirms that animals raised for food, fur, and/or fiber should be treated and handled humanely with due consideration to their welfare and well being.
• Veterinarians are encouraged to assume a leadership role to improve understanding and communication between those with divergent views or misinformation regarding modern animal agriculture.
• The AVMA commends livestock and poultry producers, animal scientists, and veterinarians who have advanced the science of animal agriculture to the benefit of animals and mankind.
• The AVMA acknowledges that all must identify and take steps to abandon or correct practices that are cruel, abusive, neglectful, and contrary to the well being of animals.