Tips for effective letter writing to state legislators and other officials
Writing to lawmakers is one way to influence state and local laws and policy. Here are tips to write more effective letters.
JAVMA news
Veterinary lawmakers a rare breed
The personal and professional lives of veterinarians are affected by legislation and regulation every day, from when they write a prescription to when…
JAVMA news
Action against soring intensifies
Four congressional members introduced legislation Sept. 14 that would increase civil and criminal penalties for anyone found soring a horse—that is,…
Stay informed about AVMA advocacy
Stay up-to-date on legislation and regulations affecting veterinary medicine, and know how you can have an impact.
JAVMA news
Veterinarians exempt from Red Flags Rule
Legislation removes federal requirement for practices to create programs to prevent identity theft
JAVMA news
Lawmakers want to restrict use of word 'meat'
Legislation in at least 13 states would define meat to exclude plant and cell culture products.
JAVMA news
Controlled substances laws could change
Congress could consider legislation this year to counteract federal drug rules that prohibit many veterinarians from carrying and administering…
JAVMA news
FDA given more authority over recalls, records, imports
A law passed in early January gives federal regulators more authority over food production, including the ability to force recalls of foods that risk…
JAVMA news
Gains for animal health in farm bill
Recently passed federal legislation will improve national animal disease detection and response capabilities.
JAVMA news
Horse soring bill passes the House
Soring, the intentional injuring of a horse to exaggerate its gait as it performs in the show ring, has been an issue for the equine community for…
Advocating for veterinary small businesses
The AVMA supports a business environment that allows veterinarians to thrive in rewarding and financially sustainable careers. We advocate for…
JAVMA news
Lawsuit alleges lax welfare enforcement
Two organizations accuse the Department of Agriculture of failing to enforce animal welfare laws and helping dog breeders hide problems.
JAVMA news
AVMA addresses animal abuse, research cats and dogs, outdoor housing of pets
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 11-13, revised guidance for veterinarians on responding to animal abuse or neglect, approved a policy…
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.
JAVMA news
Supreme Court hears arguments on downed swine
Meat industry and state government representatives argued before Supreme Court justices whether a California state law can
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.
JAVMA news
Q&A: As partisan storms rage, congressman tacks toward the center
As a moderate Democrat in the House of Representatives, Rep. Kurt Schrader is a rarity in a Congress riven by partisan passions.
JAVMA news
Looking ahead
Dr. Clark K. Fobian, District VII representative to the AVMA Executive Board, will likely be elected AVMA president-elect by the AVMA House of…
JAVMA news
AVMA health insurance returns
The AVMA and AVMA LIFE announced the return of an employer-based association health insurance program for AVMA members that will initially be…
JAVMA news
Supreme Court strikes down Calif. slaughter rules
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in January that the state of California cannot prohibit the slaughter of pigs that become
JAVMA news
Judge allows bulk ingredients for compounding
The Food and Drug Administration doesn't have the authority to stop a Florida pharmacy from using bulk pharmaceutical ingredients to
JAVMA news
AVMA files brief in trade restriction case
The AVMA is among medical associations that contend in a brief that state professional boards should not be subject to Federal Trade
JAVMA news
Customs, APHIS inspectors needed at ports to meet growing demand
Members of Congress are calling for hundreds more agriculture inspections at ports of entry.
JAVMA news
FSIS to expand E coli testing
Federal food inspectors plan to test for more Escherichia coli strains in beef trim starting in March by expanding scrutiny to six serogroups recently…