AVMA debuts animal welfare Web section

To help veterinarians and the general public understand the complexity and passion behind animal welfare issues, the AVMA has launched a Web section devoted to animal welfare information.

"This new section of the AVMA Web site will play an important role in helping people understand the AVMA's science- and ethics-based approach to animal welfare," said Dr. Gail C. Golab, director of the Animal Welfare Division.

"Ultimately, as it grows and evolves, we envision an in-depth resource that people will return to again and again to gain issue-based knowledge and an appreciation for how complex animal welfare decision making can be," she said. "Material already available in our new Web section presents a convincing argument for considering a multitude of factors and input from a variety of experts and stakeholders when deciding on best approaches to animal care."

The new Web section went live June 4. It offers links to brochures, policy statements, commentary on regulatory and legislative proposals, backgrounders, the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, press releases and journal articles, information about the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee, a meeting calendar, and contact information for division staff.

"This new section of our Web site will provide an invaluable resource on one of the most complex and challenging issues in veterinary medicine—animal welfare," said Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president. "Information is very powerful. If we can raise awareness about animal welfare, it's reasonable to expect that humane treatment of animals—as pets, in the wild, in zoos, and on farms—will improve."

The new section is available on the AVMA Web site here.