Animal welfare: Other species
This page provides access to a variety of resources that can help you make a positive difference in the lives of wild and exotic terrestrial and aquatic animals.
Featured topic: Conservation, species and gene pool diversity, and the euthanasia of unwanted animals
When a 2-year-old giraffe, Marius, was euthanized by gunshot, dismembered, and fed to a group of lions at the Copenhagen Zoo in full view of the public, it initiated substantial debate about the management of captive populations of wild animals. The ensuing discussion engaged not only members of the public, but also a variety of professionals who contribute to the care and conservation of animals kept in zoos, wildlife parks and aquaria. Are you an AVMA or SAVMA member? Veterinarians have a key role to play in helping to ensure the management and disposition of wild species kept in captivity is appropriate. We invite you to join The Conversation on this topic.
Policies
General:
- AVMA Animal Welfare Principles
- Animal Abuse and Animal Neglect
- Pain in Animals
- Physical Restraint of Animals
Animals Used in Entertainment:
Wildlife and Exotic Animals:
- Declawing Captive Exotic and Wild Indigenous Cats
- Elephant Guides and Tethers
- Removal of Antlers (Velveting)
- Removal or Reduction of Teeth in Non-Human Primates and Carnivores
- Trapping and Steel-Jawed Leghold Traps
- Use of Electro Muscular Disruption Devices (EMDDs) on Animals
Literature reviews
- Deer Velveting, Welfare Implications of
- Elephant Training, Welfare Implications of
- Leghold Trap Use in Conservation and Research, Welfare Implications of
- Thoracic Compression, Welfare Implications of