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.
JAVMA news
APHIS to define animal pain, distress
The USDA-APHIS is considering several changes to the Animal Welfare regulations to promote the humane treatment of live animals
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 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
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
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.
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
Study links skin allergies in dogs to problem behaviors
Research supports calls for treatment of dermatoses in dogs and other animals, including management of environmental stressors
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…