Discussion precedes HOD actions on cat declawing, animal pain, other resolutions

The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) approved updates to several AVMA policies, including those on cat declawing, pain management, and pediatric sterilization, during its regular annual session, held July 17-18 in Washington, D.C. Delegates also approved a revised Model Veterinary Practice Act (see story).

Incoming AVMA president Dr. Michael Q. Bailey presided over the session, held concurrently with AVMA Convention 2025 and the 40th World Veterinary Association Congress. 

Cat declawing

Following a thoughtful discussion over whether onychectomy causes long-term pain in cats, the HOD approved a revised AVMA policy that strongly discourages feline declawing while stopping short of calling for an outright ban.

The updated policy on “Declawing of Domestic Cats” was referred by the AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) to the House, with recommendations from the BOD and House Advisory Committee (HAC) to approve. In a reference committee prior to the session, delegates proposed two amendments to the policy, of which the suggestion to replace “may” for “often” in a sentence about chronic postsurgical pain dominated much of the discussion.

Dr. Colleen Currigan, FelineVMA delegate, argued for keeping “often.”

“A growing body of evidence shows declawed cats suffer chronic pain that owners and even veterinarians frequently miss,” she told delegates. “Using ‘often’ reflects what science is beginning to document.”

Other House members countered that the data remain limited and “often” may overstate the available evidence.

“What is the definition of ‘often?’ Until we have hard numbers, ‘may’ is a more defensible term,” said Dr. Bridget Heilsberg, Texas alternate delegate.

Ultimately, “may” prevailed among delegates. A late bid to insert the word “medically” before “necessary” failed, as opponents said the change could tie veterinarians’ hands in cases involving immunocompromised owners or severe behavioral issues.

A suggestion to refer the policy back to the Board was also defeated.

Supporters in the HOD said the final policy balances animal welfare concerns with professional autonomy by encouraging nonsurgical alternatives first, while acknowledging that declawing remains a legal procedure in most states that a veterinarian may deem appropriate.

Animal pain

The HOD also considered, and ultimately adopted, a revised version of the AVMA policy on “Pain in Animals” after deleting a sentence that stated, “Pain is a negative experience that adversely affects an animal's quality of life.”

The BOD and HAC presented the policy to the House with recommendations of approval. Developed by the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC), the revisions are intended to affirm the veterinary profession’s responsibility to prevent, minimize, and relieve pain across species and emphasize adapting practices as scientific understanding evolves and with consideration for regulatory requirements.

In a reference committee meeting before the full session, delegates suggested two technical edits, which delegates approved without objection. One changed the language to indicate “methods should be based on scientific evidence, current best practices, and regulatory considerations.” The other added a sentence urging more research to advance pain‑management techniques.

What triggered discussion on the House floor was Dr. Lee Jones, Georgia delegate, who moved to strike the first sentence from the policy.

“Pain is a physical signal that tells us something is wrong. It can be protective, informative, and diagnostic. Calling it negative oversimplifies biology and clouds the discussion,” Dr. Jones explained.

Supporters of the original wording countered that the phrase was based on a World Organisation for Animal Health definition and underscored the profession’s duty to treat animal pain.
Delegates ultimately voted in favor of Dr. Jones’s motion to delete the sentence and approve the policy.

Pediatric sterilization

The HOD has adopted an updated AVMA policy on “Pediatric Spay/Neuter of Dogs and Cats” that includes rabbits and reflects current and emerging methods of preventing reproduction.

The revamped policy notes the availability of multiple sterilization techniques and supports the concept of pediatric sterilization in dogs, cats, and rabbits to help reduce the population of unwanted animals. Additionally, “spay/neuter” was replaced with “reproductive sterilization” to reflect the broader range of current and emerging methods used to prevent reproduction.

The policy states that veterinarians are encouraged to use their professional judgment, grounded in the latest scientific literature, to determine when to recommend sterilization based on individual animal needs and population-level considerations. The updated policy supports continued research into the risks and benefits of sterilization at all ages, according to the statement about the resolution.

The BOD and HAC had recommended delegates approve the policy, developed by the AWC. According to the resolution background, rabbits are among pets that are most often sterilized and their mention represents a needed update to the policy.

Before adoption, delegates agreed to amending the policy to include the phrase “for population management” following the words “sterilize animals.”

Sow housing

Delegates adopted a revised AVMA policy on “Pregnant Sow Housing” that accounts for sow welfare throughout the animal’s life and stresses the importance of science-based management practices and individualized care.

Both the BOD and HAC recommended approval of the policy that was revised by the AWC. After reviewing the resolution, delegates voted to adopt two minor word changes to the policy.

The updated language states, in part, “The AVMA encourages the use of properly managed and improved housing systems that provide for enhanced sow welfare,” and that decisions about housing should be based on scientific evidence and veterinary professional judgment. It acknowledges “there are welfare advantages and disadvantages with any type of sow housing,” and encourages continuous improvement of housing systems to reduce risk and promote normal behavior.

The new policy reflects a shift toward evaluating and managing housing systems based on animal outcomes, rather than focusing solely on facility design. It outlines specific considerations for housing and management systems, including proper sanitation, environmental protection, adequate space for normal postures, and reducing exposure to pain, distress, and disease.

Workplace Hazards

Delegates approved a new policy on “Mitigating Hazards in the Veterinary Workplace.”

The Board and HAC recommended the HOD approve the new policy, drafted by the CoVS, that supersedes two existing AVMA policies on “Veterinary Facility Occupational Risks for Pregnant Workers” and “Guidelines for Addressing Hazards in the Workplace.”

The policy reads as follows:

“OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) requires that veterinary practices have a safety program in place to protect the health and safety of workers. OSHA requirements include a Hazardous Communication Plan (HAZCOM), recordkeeping (OSHA 300 logs), equipment safety (PPE), and training. Many states have additional standards beyond what is required by OSHA. More information on OSHA requirements and state OSHA requirements can be found at www.osha.gov/stateplans.

It continues, “The key to a safe working environment is to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses, which requires proactive communication, planning, and educating workers about how to implement a proper safety program and avoid unnecessary risks.”

The HOD voted to delete the phrase “regardless of their gender or reproductive status” at the end of the policy before approving it.

Therapeutic pet food

Finally, the HOD unanimously voted in favor of a resolution updating an AVMA policy on “Therapeutic Pet Food Health Claims” that simplifies it to clearly focus on AVMA’s support for state and federal oversight of therapeutic claims in pet food labeling.

As the AVMA Food Safety Advisory Committee (FSAC) explained in the resolution’s background, the committee recommends transferring content pertaining to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement discretion, veterinary assessment of product claims, and public education to an FAQ.

The committee removed language suggesting that the FDA require warning labels on therapeutic pet food products, as such language is not consistent with current regulatory requirements. The Board and HAC had recommended delegates approve the resolution.

Before approving the policy, delegates voted to replace the first paragraph of the policy with: “AVMA supports state and federal regulation of cat and dog food products intended to be fed as the pet's sole diet that claim to treat or prevent disease. Regardless of where therapeutic pet food is purchased, whether it be the internet, a clinic, or retail facility, it should be made available under the direction of a veterinarian.”

A version of this story appears in the September 2025 print issue of JAVMA