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…
JAVMA news
Lawsuit alleges lax welfare enforcement
Two organizations accuse the Department of Agriculture of failing to enforce animal welfare laws and helping dog breeders hide problems.
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
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 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
USDA to close inspection loophole
Large-scale breeders who sell animals over the Internet may soon be subject to federal animal welfare standards.
JAVMA news
In Short
The Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comment on proposed updates to Animal Welfare Act…
JAVMA news
AVMA presents Excellence Awards for 2019
During AVMA Convention 2019 this August in Washington, D.C., a number of individuals received AVMA Excellence Awards for contributions in areas such…
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
In Short
The Equine Welfare Data Collective has released its first report after gathering data nationally on at-risk and transitioning equines.
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
Congress considers US egg production standards
United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States want Congress to approve new standards for U.S. egg producers.
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…
blog
Farm bill delivers victory for veterinary medicine
The nation’s new farm bill creates critical programs to improve animal health and enhance the nation’s ability to prevent and respond to animal…
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.
policy
UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
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
Army Veterinary Corps gets new leader
Col. Steven Greiner will serve as the next chief of the Army Veterinary Corps.
JAVMA news
Action against soring intensifies
Four congressional members introduced legislation Sept. 14 that would increase civil and criminal penalties for anyone found soring a horse—that is,…