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UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
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UNDER REVIEWBreeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
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UNDER REVIEWResearch dogs and cats adoption
The following factors should be considered when developing a research institution adoption program and determining an animal's potential for adoption.
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Donkey skin trade
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the donkey skin trade.
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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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Inherited disorders in responsible breeding of companion animals
The AVMA encourages careful consideration of the health and welfare implications of breed standards, breeding decisions, and the responsibilities…
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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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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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UNDER REVIEWRelocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
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AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals provide veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.
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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…
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Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
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Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
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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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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the roles of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare
The AVMA, FVE, and CVMA recognize that sentient animals are capable of experiencing positive physical and emotional states (or feelings), including…
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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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Trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps
The AVMA opposes the use of conventional (non-padded, non-offset) steel jawed foothold traps, also called leghold traps.
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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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UNDER REVIEWUse of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDDs) on animals
Understand the AVMA's position on the use of electro-muscular disruption devices such as stun guns on animals.
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Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
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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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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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Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
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UNDER REVIEWRemoval of antlers (velveting)
If amputation of living, growing antlers of cervids is performed, it must be done humanely and within the bounds of a veterinarian-client-patient…
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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…