JAVMA news
Natural bovine behavior key to evaluating management practices
Human-animal interaction is one of the largest components of appropriate animal welfare. More than anything, the natural behaviors of animals
JAVMA news
AVMA, United reach agreement on form for assistance animals
The AVMA, with support from the AVMA PLIT, took action when United Airlines announced a new policy requiring a veterinarian's signature vouching for…
JAVMA news
Congressman wants cats adopted after research
A Michigan congressman wants adoption, rather than euthanasia, for cats used in federal Toxoplasma research.
Comparison of cage and non-cage systems for housing laying hens
When looking at how different housing systems protect the welfare of laying hens, it's important to consider the various trade-offs inherent to every…
JAVMA news
Studies offer scientific appraisal of tail docking effects in dairy cattle
"The prevalence of (bovine) tail docking has exploded. Ten years ago, there weren't very many people docking tails
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.
blog
DOT issues final rule on air travel with service animals
Strong veterinary influence is apparent in the new rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation related to transporting service and emotional…
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…
AVMA news
USDA finalizes standards to include birds under Animal Welfare Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is establishing welfare standards for birds, which were previously…
policy
UNDER REVIEWVeal calf management
The AVMA supports modern veal calf production practices that meet the welfare and health needs of calves. View the policy on veal calf management.
JAVMA news
Volunteer for Our Oath in Action projects
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation is seeking volunteers this fall for Our Oath in Action, a veterinary outreach program with projects across…
policy
Livestock handling tools
Mechanical aids to direct livestock movement should be used properly and should be secondary to good facility design and understanding the specific…
JAVMA news
AVMA deliberates on breed standards, devocalization
A resolution submitted to the House of Delegates calls for the AVMA to help develop healthier breed standards for purebred dogs and cats; another…
policy
Swine castration
The AVMA recommends using swine castration procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain, including the use of approved or AMDUCA-permissible…
JAVMA news
Devocalization as a final alternative
AVMA Delegates pass resolutions on devocalization, VCPR, livestock handling
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
Production practices not justified by productivity
Dr. Jennifer Walker said public trust in farmers can be supported by, but not based on, science and economics.
JAVMA news
Airlines can't ban service animals by breed, weight but can ban some species
The Department of Transportation says airlines cannot categorically exclude certain breeds of dogs or cats as service animals and cannot ban service…
JAVMA news
From 'Zoobiquity' to 'Wildhood'
Many humans don’t realize how much they have in common with other animal species from monkeys to gazelles to even guppies. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz,…
JAVMA news
HSUS CEO resigns amid sexual harassment claims
Wayne Pacelle resigned Feb. 2 as chief executive officer of the Humane Society
JAVMA news
Welfare policies revised and adopted
The AVMA has revised several of its food animal welfare policies and adopted a policy concerning the use of electromuscular disruption devices (eg,…
JAVMA news
Health and safety policies for therapy animal visits vary widely
A survey of U.S. hospitals, elder care facilities, and therapy animal organizations revealed their health and safety policies for therapy animal…
policy
Service animals
If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless whether it has been licensed or certified by a government or an…
blog
Comments sought: New rules proposed for transporting assistance animals
The DOT released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to transporting service and emotional support animals under the Air Carrier Access Act…
JAVMA news
Ending life well
Pending guidance on depopulation and updated guidance on euthanasia acknowledge that decisions on animal death are difficult even for experts.