Transport policy for hoofstock approved

The AVMA Executive Board approved a new policy, “Transport, Sale Yard Practices, and Humane Slaughter of Hoofstock and Poultry,” which will supersede the policy “Transport, Sale Yard Practices, and Humane Slaughter of Livestock.”

Dr. Gail C. Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division, said part of the reason this new policy was recommended was because of confusion regarding the term “livestock” and what that term may or may not entail.

“The Animal Welfare Committee had a very long discussion about this, and one of the challenges we are running into right now is the term ‘livestock,’” Dr. Golab said. “There are animals that are being slaughtered that aren’t included in the current definition of livestock.”

Requirements related to vehicle safety, suitable water and feed, loading and unloading, mixing of animals, and rest are included in the new policy.

The previous policy on livestock was reviewed in accordance with the current directive that all AVMA policies be reviewed every five years. However, the Animal Welfare Committee said in its recommendation that this review was particularly timely because it provided an opportunity to coordinate with the AVMA Panel on Humane Slaughter to ensure the policy was consistent with the panel’s scientific literature review, special expertise, and practical experience.

The committee said this policy is supportive of and consistent with information contained in the current draft of the guidelines. The draft AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals are now posted online for member comment through Sept. 30; here.

To see the new transport policy, click here.