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
Animal welfare recognized as veterinary specialty
The recent AVMA Executive Board vote granting the American College of Animal Welfare provisional recognition clears the way for prospective members to…
AVMA Animal Welfare Award
This award is given annually to an AVMA member veterinarian to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals.
JAVMA news
Changes for Animal Welfare Symposium
The timing and topic of the AVMA Animal Welfare Symposium initially planned for 2012 have changed.
JAVMA news
AVMA creates Animal Welfare Division
The AVMA will establish a division dedicated to animal welfare that will monitor the science of animal welfare
policy
USDA/APHIS animal welfare program
The AVMA supports enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act to protect animals used for nonagricultural research, testing, teaching, or exhibition.
JAVMA news
AVMA tackles animal welfare legislation
In the next year, the AVMA will spend a substantial amount of time lobbying for animal welfare issues.
JAVMA news
Animal welfare, state advocacy initiatives approved
Arriving at an approach to animal welfare that balances philosophic vision and emerging science with practical application was a challenge the AVMA…
JAVMA news
Proposed animal welfare council sent for review
The recommendation proposing establishment of a Council on Animal Welfare has been referred to the newly approved Animal Welfare
JAVMA news
Competition tests students’ animal welfare knowledge
The 12th annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging/Assessment Contest was held Nov. 17-18, 2012, at the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal…
JAVMA news
Advisory body to replace Animal Welfare Committee
The Executive Board has approved President Bonnie V. Beaver's recommendation to sunset the Animal Welfare Committee
JAVMA news
AVMA joins Scientists Center for Animal Welfare
The Executive Board has approved AVMA membership in the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, a not-for-profit association
JAVMA news
More animal health, welfare standards go global
Animal welfare, avian influenza, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy were key discussion topics at the 73rd Annual General Session of the…
JAVMA news
Animal welfare bill moves forward in United Kingdom
To raise animal welfare standards, the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs published the Animal Welfare Bill
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
policy
Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the roles of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare
The AVMA, FVE, and CVMA recognize that sentient animals are capable of experiencing positive physical and emotional states (or feelings), including…
JAVMA news
Standards taking shape for health, welfare of fish
The welfare of fish could soon be subject to regulations—or at least guidelines—similar to standards for the welfare of other animals.
JAVMA news
AVMA solicits member comments on welfare policies
The AVMA is soliciting comments from members on nine animal welfare policies under review by the Animal Welfare Committee, which
Welfare implications of tail docking of dogs
Peer-reviewed summary of scientific literature related to the welfare implications of amputation of part of a dog’s tail.
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…
JAVMA news
Plan creating animal pain and distress panel fails
The Executive Board disapproved a recommendation from the Animal Welfare Committee establishing an AVMA Panel
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…