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…
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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…
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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…
JAVMA news
Ohio restricting wild animal ownership
Starting in September, most Ohio residents will be unable to collect or sell wild animals that the state deems to be dangerous.
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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,…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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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
3,000 birds seized in cockfighting raids
Police and animal welfare workers seized about 3,000 roosters and hens that prosecutors say were used for fighting or breeding fighting birds.
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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…
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.
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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…
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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.
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Safe non-commercial transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners about the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing…
JAVMA news
Nominations open for Excellence in Veterinary Medicine Awards
The AVMA and American Veterinary Medical Foundation are accepting nominations for the following Excellence in Veterinary Medicine Awards.
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Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
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Trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps
The AVMA opposes the use of conventional (non-padded, non-offset) steel jawed foothold traps, also called leghold traps.
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Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
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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…
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Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.