Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
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…
JAVMA news
Future of animal welfare intertwined with veterinary profession
Some current trends in animal welfare he outlined are as follows:
JAVMA news
50 years later, animal welfare act is a work in progress
The Animal Welfare Act was signed into law in 1966, originally to protect laboratory animals while also regulating animal dealers and the laboratories…
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Contest puts students’ animal welfare knowledge to the test
A survey of participants in the AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest shows the event increases their aptitude for animal welfare and helps them hone…
JAVMA news
Davis' aid to impoverished animals earns welfare award
Davis' aid to impoverished animals earns welfare award
JAVMA news
OIE tracks COVID-19 threats to animal welfare
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is examining how misunderstandings surrounding COVID-19 may have compromised animal welfare during the…
JAVMA news
Croney chosen to head Purdue animal welfare center
Candace Croney, PhD, began overseeing the university’s new Center for Animal Welfare Science this February when it opened.
JAVMA news
UCSF, USDA settle animal welfare complaint
The University of California-San Francisco in September announced a settlement had been reached with the U.S. government
JAVMA news
Lawmakers seek expansion of animal welfare regulations
A New York Times story exposing alleged abuses at an agricultural research facility has prompted legislation to expand federal animal
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20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest announces winners
The 20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest gave undergraduates, graduate students, veterinary students, AVMA member veterinarians, and members…
JAVMA news
AVMA: Prioritize animal welfare, not marketing, in treatment decisions
AVMA leaders advocate against withholding any necessary medications from livestock, including on organic and antimicrobial-free farms.
Advocating for horse welfare
The AVMA advocates on a variety of horse welfare issues. Learn about our top priorities and find out how you can help protect horses.
JAVMA news
AVMA welfare positions evolve - June 1, 2004
AVMA welfare positions evolve New position on tail docking of cattle amended, other positions adopted On…
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Data gathering project launches to improve equine welfare
The Equine Welfare Data Collective launched a metrics gathering effort Nov. 1, 2018, to better understand at-risk and transitioning equids.
JAVMA news
Multi-institutional study dives deep into cetacean welfare
Some bottlenose dolphins are wearing superhero capes at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
JAVMA news
Animal research helps pets, too
This past October, the Foundation for Biomedical Research launched its "Love Animals? Support Animal Research" campaign to educate the public about…
JAVMA news
USDA adds welfare provisions for dealers, exhibitors, researchers
In May, the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a series of pending rules that include requirements for…
AVMA news
Farewell to Betty White, an animal’s best friend
Betty White died Dec. 31, 2021, and is being remembered not only for her seven decades of acting but also for her advocacy of animal welfare and the…
AVMA news
Welfare concerns for wild birds, from confiscation to relinquishment
Drs. Patricia J. Latas and Anthony A. Pilny presented sessions on July 15 at AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver about the consequences of wildlife…
JAVMA news
Expert panel to address radiologic impact on animals near Japan nuclear plant
The International Fund for Animal Welfare in April announced a team of radiation and animal rescue experts had been assembled to develop a
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
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
Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction.