JAVMA news
Euthanatized animals can poison wildlife: Veterinarians receive fines
In 1999, a veterinarian and a rancher in Colorado were dismayed to find that they had accidentally killed five golden eagles and two bald eagles.
JAVMA news
AVMA releases updated euthanasia guidelines
The AVMA recently updated its 2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia, now called the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia.
JAVMA news
Lethal injection opponents use AVMA euthanasia guidelines to make their case
Early next year, the Supreme Court will tackle the question of whether death by lethal injection violates the constitutional prohibition against cruel…
JAVMA news
Veterinarian professes ignorance on euthanasia statute
Charges filed against a Tennessee veterinarian come as a reminder that practitioners must adhere to state laws and
JAVMA news
Constitutionality of lethal injection protocol affirmed
The Supreme Court on April 16 upheld Kentucky's use of lethal injections for executions, rejecting plaintiffs' arguments based in
JAVMA news
Euthanasia a rare but complicated issue in disasters
The pending discussions on euthanasia protocols will include how to shorten the time between when TAHC staff members recommend euthanasia
JAVMA news
Revision process begins for AVMA euthanasia guidelines
Efforts to update the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia are underway.
JAVMA news
Ohio board to create livestock euthanasia rules
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board created a draft set of livestock euthanasia rules, and the project could help fulfill an
JAVMA news
Groups working to identify best euthanasia, slaughter methods
The AVMA will lead a meeting looking to examine euthanasia practices across animal species and harmonize international guidance.
JAVMA news
Euthanasia experts say best methods may be unappealing
Temple Grandin, PhD, understands that many people may think physical methods of euthanasia are "icky," but contends that often they are the best…
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…
policy
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…
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
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
policy
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…
policy
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…
policy
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.
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
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…
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…
policy
Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
policy
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…
policy
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.
policy
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.
policy
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.