Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
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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…
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
AVMA welfare positions evolve - June 1, 2004
AVMA welfare positions evolve New position on tail docking of cattle amended, other positions adopted On…
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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…
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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…
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Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction.
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Use of animals in research, testing, and education
Use of animals in research, testing and education is a privilege that carries unique professional, scientific and moral obligations, and ethical…
JAVMA news
Competition or coexistence?
In the world of companion animal medicine, many private practitioners are worrying about competition from animal welfare organizations
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UNDER REVIEWUse of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDDs) on animals
Understand the AVMA's position on the use of electro-muscular disruption devices such as stun guns on animals.
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Companion animal care guidelines
View general guidelines for the care and humane treatment of animals in nonagricultural facilities such as shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels,…
JAVMA news
Building bridges in Michigan
The Michigan VMA hopes to improve relations between private practitioners and animal welfare organizations in the state.
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
JAVMA news
Evolving relations in Colorado
The Colorado VMA recently created a task force to foster collaboration between private practitioners and animal welfare organizations.
JAVMA news
Task force in Texas
The Texas VMA has created a task force to determine whether nonprofit animal welfare organizations in the state are providing veterinary services…
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Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
JAVMA news
AASV president sees educational opportunities, challenges
Dr. Tara S. Donovan said the American Association of Swine Veterinarians can help retailers and the public understand complex subjects such as animal…
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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…
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Safety testing
The AVMA supports research to discover and develop safe and efficacious drugs, vaccines, biologicals, and medical devices that benefit animals and…
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Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
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Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
JAVMA news
Colorado's new dean comes from wildlife background
Dr. Mark D. Stetter, former head of The Walt Disney Co's. animal operations, will take over as dean at Colorado State University's College of…
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.