Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
Animal health and welfare
Veterinarians and veterinary teams are committed to protecting the health and welfare of animals. AVMA has many tools and resources to help.
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…
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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…
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Don’t miss this animal welfare learning opportunity
AVMA members have a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge of animal welfare while earning CE and meeting like-minded colleagues. Register by…
JAVMA news
Future of animal welfare intertwined with veterinary profession
Some current trends in animal welfare he outlined are as follows:
JAVMA news
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos Rodeos are an opportunity for cowboys to showcase their…
JAVMA news
Contest puts students’ animal welfare knowledge to the test
A survey of participants in the AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest shows the event increases their aptitude for animal welfare and helps them hone…
JAVMA news
Davis' aid to impoverished animals earns welfare award
Davis' aid to impoverished animals earns welfare award
JAVMA news
OIE tracks COVID-19 threats to animal welfare
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is examining how misunderstandings surrounding COVID-19 may have compromised animal welfare during the…
blog
A unique opportunity: Boost your animal welfare acumen
AVMA’s spring Animal Welfare Assessment Contest®—also known as AWJAC—will take place online Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21, 2024. AVMA members can sign…
blog
20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest announces winners
The 20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest gave undergraduates, graduate students, veterinary students, AVMA member veterinarians, and members…
JAVMA news
AVMA: Prioritize animal welfare, not marketing, in treatment decisions
AVMA leaders advocate against withholding any necessary medications from livestock, including on organic and antimicrobial-free farms.
JAVMA news
Welfare guidelines released for working equids
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has adopted the first set of global standards for ensuring the welfare of working equids.
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
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…
policy
AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals help members of the veterinary profession make decisions that support animal welfare in emergency…
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
Horse tripping a new welfare concern
The AVMA has come out against the practice of horse tripping, which involves roping the front or hind legs of a galloping horse while on foot or…
policy
Surgery or procedures performed on show animals
The AVMA recommends that procedures to correct injury or deformity for an animal’s welfare not be grounds to disqualify the animal from conformation…
policy
Inherited disorders in responsible breeding of companion animals
The AVMA encourages careful consideration of the health and welfare implications of breed standards, breeding decisions, and the responsibilities…
JAVMA news
USDA adds welfare provisions for dealers, exhibitors, researchers
In May, the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a series of pending rules that include requirements for…
policy
Creation and use of genetically modified animals as research models
Creation and use of genetically modified animals for investigating diseases affecting animals and people should not be needlessly restricted and…
AVMA news
Welfare concerns for wild birds, from confiscation to relinquishment
Drs. Patricia J. Latas and Anthony A. Pilny presented sessions on July 15 at AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver about the consequences of wildlife…