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.
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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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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
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
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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…
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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.
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
AVMA welfare positions evolve - June 1, 2004
AVMA welfare positions evolve New position on tail docking of cattle amended, other positions adopted On…
JAVMA news
Animal handling, through an animal's eyes
"It's only recently that we've started thinking of animal handling from the animal's perspective," said Dr. Kersti Seksel, an Australian veterinary…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Approval and availability of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals
The availability and effectiveness of antimicrobials, including medically important antimicrobials, are important to support the health and welfare of…
SARS-CoV-2 in animals
Learn about how the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 affects animals, and how to keep pets safe during the pandemic.
Animal carcass disposal
Determine the best means of disposal for animal carcasses, tissues, and body parts.
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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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Genetic modification of animals in agriculture
Genetic research and the practical application of that knowledge in farm-raised* animals should be encouraged.
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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…