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…
blog
Important animal welfare bill approved by Congress
Following years of advocacy by the AVMA, lawmakers and animal welfare advocates, the U.S. House and Senate have unanimously approved landmark animal…
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.
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…
JAVMA news
Virginia establishes first attorney general’s animal law unit
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has created what is thought to be the nation’s first attorney general’s animal law unit.
JAVMA news
AVMA addresses animal abuse, research cats and dogs, outdoor housing of pets
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 11-13, revised guidance for veterinarians on responding to animal abuse or neglect, approved a policy…
JAVMA news
FBI gathers animal cruelty data, but patterns have yet to emerge
The FBI has published two years' worth of data on animal cruelty for the first time, but patterns may take several more years to emerge.
JAVMA news
APHIS revises investigative and enforcement website
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in April announced a new online format designed to provide…
JAVMA news
Legislation would protect pets of domestic violence victims
The AVMA is lending its support to bipartisan legislation that would expand federal protections to the pets of victims of domestic violence.
JAVMA news
Devastating flu, ongoing harm
This past spring’s highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak was the largest animal health emergency in U.S. history
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
JAVMA news
Army Veterinary Corps gets new leader
Col. Steven Greiner will serve as the next chief of the Army Veterinary Corps.
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…
JAVMA news
Veterinary scientist advocates for endangered whales
Dr. Michael Moore has spent his career publicizing how human activities are harming whales and other marine mammals that would otherwise remain hidden…
JAVMA news
AVMA applauds walking horse legislation
AVMA CEO Ron DeHaven applauded Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida, a veterinarian, for introducing the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act (H.R. 3268) on July 28 in…
JAVMA news
AZA to phase out bullhooks for elephant management
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums announced it is phasing out the use of bullhooks for routine elephant care and training at member zoos by the…
JAVMA news
Soring criminal case garners national attention
A prominent trainer in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry pleaded guilty May 22 to a felony conviction for charges that he violated the Horse…
JAVMA news
AVMA, AAEP call for ban on soring devices, methods
The AVMA and American Association of Equine Practitioners are pushing for further reforms in the gaited- horse community in an effort to eliminate the…
JAVMA news
High time for change
Federal prosecutors and Agriculture Department regulators are fighting the illegal, but ongoing, practice of soring horses to produce