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
UNDER REVIEWNonhuman primates as assistance animals
The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and…
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
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA, USDA react to footage of cattle mistreatment
Recent footage of the Portales Livestock Auction in Portales, N.M., shows abusive handling of cattle similar to the mistreatment
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
Snapshots
Dr. M. Gatz Riddell (standing), executive vice president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and Dr. Tom Burkgren (left),
JAVMA news
Production practices not justified by productivity
Dr. Jennifer Walker said public trust in farmers can be supported by, but not based on, science and economics.
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…
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…
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,
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…
JAVMA news
Genetics and analgesics added to castration, dehorning policy
The AVMA Executive Board approved revisions to the AVMA policy on cattle castration and dehorning that account for genetic
policy
UNDER REVIEWPregnant sow housing
Pregnant sows are kept in a variety of housing systems. View the AVMA's recommendations for sow housing and management systems.
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.…
JAVMA news
Delving into Forensics
Experts in veterinary forensics recount how they came to the growing field and describe their work analyzing evidence in legal cases
policy
Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
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…
JAVMA news
A bucking-bull veterinarian in the making
When Dr. Gary D. Warner asked his daughter Kelly why she wanted to be a large animal veterinarian over anything anything else, he wasn’t necessarily…
JAVMA news
ASPCA, University of Florida partner on forensics
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the University of Florida veterinary and medical colleges have partnered for the…
JAVMA news
AVMA releases video on soring of gaited show horses
The AVMA has produced an educational video, in cooperation with the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Department of Agriculture, to…
policy
Free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.
JAVMA news
Congress considers new horse slaughter ban
posted September 1, 2008 Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives July 24 would criminalize
JAVMA news
AABP condemns abuses at Chino slaughterhouse - February 7, 2008
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners has issued a statement condemning abusive practices at a Chino, Calif.,
JAVMA news
The bovine athlete
Bull riding has emerged from the world of rodeo over the past two decades as a multimillion-dollar sport followed by millions of fans.