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AVMA animal welfare principles
The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal…
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Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
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Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
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UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
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Docking of lambs' tails
Lambs' tails may be docked for cleanliness and to minimize fly strike. AVMA opposes excessively short tail docking, which is unacceptable for sheep…
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Guidelines for use of exempt biologics
State-licensed veterinarians may consider preparing biologics in their practice facility under a VCPR in unique disease situations not adequately…
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Guidelines for the humane slaughter of animals
The AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals provide guidance for veterinarians to prevent pain and distress in animals designated for…
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Induced molting of layer chickens
Induced molting of commercial layer chickens must be a carefully monitored and controlled procedure, with special attention paid to flock health,…
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Livestock identification and animal traceability
Permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for tracing origin and destination of livestock to protect the nation’s…
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Livestock handling tools
Mechanical aids to direct livestock movement should be used properly and should be secondary to good facility design and understanding the specific…
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UNDER REVIEWPregnant sow housing
Pregnant sows are kept in a variety of housing systems. View the AVMA's recommendations for sow housing and management systems.
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Swine castration
The AVMA recommends using swine castration procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain, including the use of approved or AMDUCA-permissible…
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Tail docking of cattle
The AVMA opposes routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates it provides no benefit to the animal, and it may cause…
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Tail docking and teeth clipping of swine
The AVMA recommends the use of procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain associated with tail docking and teeth clipping of pigs. This…
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UNDER REVIEWTransport, sale yard practices, and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry
The AVMA supports science-based guidelines for transport and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry, developed in collaboration with experienced…
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UNDER REVIEWVeal calf management
The AVMA supports modern veal calf production practices that meet the welfare and health needs of calves. View the policy on veal calf management.