policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
JAVMA news
California considers animal abuser registry
In California, persons convicted of felony animal cruelty could soon share a dubious distinction with sex offenders and arsonists if a bill in the…
JAVMA news
AVMA endorses guidance for vets suspecting animal abuse
The AVMA has endorsed a document created jointly by the AVMA Committee on the Human-Animal Bond and the American Humane Association for veterinarians…
JAVMA news
Alleged animal abuse recorded at Ohio dairy farm
An Ohio dairy farm worker was charged with 12 counts of cruelty to animals following the release of a secretly recorded video
JAVMA news
AVMA addresses animal abuse, research cats and dogs, outdoor housing of pets
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 11-13, revised guidance for veterinarians on responding to animal abuse or neglect, approved a policy…
JAVMA news
AVMA, swine veterinarians respond to video of pig abuse
A video showing the abuse of pigs on an Iowa farm brought a swift response from the AVMA and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians,
JAVMA news
Reporting laws suggest need for abuse standards
The statute protects veterinarians from civil or criminal liability when they alert authorities to an animal they suspect has been inhumanely treated
JAVMA news
Research distinguishes between injuries from accidents, abuse
In dogs and cats, blunt force trauma causes different types of injuries depending on whether the trauma is accidental
Responding to suspected cases of animal cruelty
As veterinary professionals, it is our responsibility to act if we suspect a case of animal abuse or cruelty. These resources will help you and your…
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Animals can be considered crime victims in Oregon
Animals can be considered crime victims in Oregon, according to the state Supreme Court.
JAVMA news
Virginia establishes first attorney general’s animal law unit
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has created what is thought to be the nation’s first attorney general’s animal law unit.
JAVMA news
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos Rodeos are an opportunity for cowboys to showcase their…
JAVMA news
FBI gathers animal cruelty data, but patterns have yet to emerge
The FBI has published two years' worth of data on animal cruelty for the first time, but patterns may take several more years to emerge.
JAVMA news
Veterinarians: a missing LINK
As awareness of human and animal abuse grows, many in the health care and animal welfare communities are seeking ways to help practitioners respond.
JAVMA news
South Dakota is last state to make animal cruelty a felony
On March 14, the governor of South Dakota signed a bill to amend the state’s law on animal cruelty, including designating some violations as class 6…
JAVMA news
Animal hoarding: A public health problem veterinarians can take a lead role in solving
Experts estimate that there at least 700 new cases of animal hoarding, sometimes called collecting, every year in the United States.
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Delving into Forensics
Experts in veterinary forensics recount how they came to the growing field and describe their work analyzing evidence in legal cases
JAVMA news
A safety net for struggling pet owners
Many animal shelters and humane organizations offer programs to prevent pet relinquishment for individuals and families experiencing domestic…
JAVMA news
Slaughter guidelines enforcement called into question
The USDA and industry experts maintain that most of the 150 million head of livestock that are processed each year in inspected facilities are…
JAVMA news
LSU laboratory vandalized; animal extremist group claims responsibility
FBI investigating incident as act of domestic terrorism
JAVMA news
Banfield Foundation commits $1M to domestic violence programs
The Banfield Foundation announced that it has committed to investing $1 million over four years through its Safer Together initiative to raise…
JAVMA news
When domestic violence arrives at the clinic door
Veterinarians and other practice staff members have the potential to play a life-saving role in the prevention of and response to domestic violence.
JAVMA news
Cruelty investigation prompts massive recall of beef
Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. of Chino, Calif., issued a recall Feb. 17 of 143 million pounds of beef as a secondary result of the U.S.…