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Animal fighting
The AVMA condemns fighting events involving animals in which injury or death is intended, and recommends that animal fighting be considered a felony…
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UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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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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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Companion animal care guidelines
View general guidelines for the care and humane treatment of animals in nonagricultural facilities such as shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels,…
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Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs
The AVMA opposes canine ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes, and encourages eliminating ear cropping and tail docking…
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Free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.
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Model bill and regulations to assure appropriate care for dogs intended for use as pets
This resource can serve as a guide for legislators and other government officials involved in developing legislation and regulations to assure…
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Removal or reduction of teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores
The AVMA opposes removal or reduction of healthy teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores, except when required for medical treatment or approved…
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Safe non-commercial transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners about the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing…
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Surgery or procedures performed on show animals
The AVMA recommends that procedures to correct injury or deformity for an animal’s welfare not be grounds to disqualify the animal from conformation…
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The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
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Transportation of research animals for the purpose of research, testing, and education
Transportation of animals for research, testing, and education should be conducted humanely and assure the animals are handled appropriately for their…
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Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction.
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Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
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Use of animals in research, testing, and education
Use of animals in research, testing and education is a privilege that carries unique professional, scientific and moral obligations, and ethical…