AVMA news
Policies on physical restraint of animals, canine devocalization approved
The AVMA House of Delegates adopted a handful of revised animal welfare policies, including one on “Canine Devocalization” that supersedes the…
AVMA news
Supreme Court upholds California sow housing law
A slim majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices upheld the California ballot initiative Proposition 12 as constitutional, and that the state could…
AVMA news
AVMA leaders to discuss environmental sustainability, spectrum of care
Meeting this July in Denver, the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will consider new and revised policy proposals dealing with wolf hybrids, tail docking,…
blog
Veterinary research spotlighted on the Hill
On May 13, the AVMA hosted an educational briefing for Capitol Hill staff on recognizing and managing pain in farm animals.
JAVMA news
Another ballot initiative increases housing size for farm animals
As consumers demand to know more about the origin of their foods, the trend toward less-restrictive housing for farm animals has accelerated in recent…
JAVMA news
USDA cancels organic welfare rules
Federal agriculture authorities canceled pending rules that would have expanded animal welfare rules in organic production.
JAVMA news
Editing Animals
Recent gene-editing technologies are being used to create mice that model human genetic diseases, Holstein cattle lacking horns, and current research…
JAVMA news
AVMA issues guidance on humane slaughter
The AVMA will soon release the second in a three-part series of recommendations for killing animals humanely.
JAVMA news
Gaining weight
Pre-slaughter weights of livestock species have been increasing since at least the 1920s, and some of the largest gains have occurred in the past 25…
JAVMA news
AHA certification covers nearly 1 billion farm animals
The number of animals living on farms certified by the American Humane Association Certified program quintupled in 14 months.
JAVMA news
Board acts to remove hurdles to AVMA membership
The AVMA Executive Board met Aug. 27-28 to take up an agenda dealing with such issues as AVMA membership requirements, livestock traceability and…
JAVMA news
Transport policy for hoofstock approved
The AVMA Executive Board approved a new policy, “Transport, Sale Yard Practices, and Humane Slaughter of Hoofstock and Poultry,”
JAVMA news
Pressure from above
Animal welfare is improving as buyers pressure suppliers to meet standards and to participate in audit and education programs.
JAVMA news
Snapshots
Dr. M. Gatz Riddell (standing), executive vice president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and Dr. Tom Burkgren (left),
policy
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…
policy
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…
policy
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…
Comparison of cage and non-cage systems for housing laying hens
When looking at how different housing systems protect the welfare of laying hens, it's important to consider the various trade-offs inherent to every…
JAVMA news
Welfare policies revised and adopted
The AVMA has revised several of its food animal welfare policies and adopted a policy concerning the use of electromuscular disruption devices (eg,…
JAVMA news
USDA to help pets in distress
USDA to help pets in distress Following the devastation wrought upon North Carolina by Hurricane Floyd, the USDA,