Veterinary Professionals Urged to Comment on AVMA Welfare Policies
Tuesday, February 07, 2012 10:21 PM


The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) urges veterinarians who are members of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to consider submitting comments on a variety of animal welfare policy statements currently up for review. The deadline for submitting comments is March 1, 2012.

The nine policy statements currently up for review cover a variety of issues and species, and were all last updated in 2007. The topics include:

  • Animal Fighting
  • Animals Used in Entertainment, Shows and for Exhibition
  • Guidelines for Veterinarians and Veterinary Associations Working with Animal Control and Animal Welfare Organizations
  • Euthanasia of Animals That Are Unwanted or Unfit for Adoption
  • Management of Mares Used in the Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU) Industry
  • Physical Restraint of Animals
  • Removal or Reduction of Canine Teeth in Captive Nonhuman Primates or Exotic and Wild (Indigenous) Carnivores
  • Use of Animals in Precollege Education
  • Use of Animals in Research, Testing and Education

Policy statements adopted by veterinary organizations, including those approved by the AVMA, are frequently cited in the development of legislative or regulatory initiatives. They are also used in developing standards of animal care in a variety of contexts, including shelters, sanctuaries, research institutions, agribusiness and veterinary schools, both in the United States and abroad. As a result, comments submitted by veterinary professionals, particularly those with expertise in targeted areas, will have a wide-ranging impact on the humane treatment of animals. HSVMA is working with issues experts in order to formulate commentaries on some of these statements.

One of the most frequently cited AVMA welfare policies is the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia. The AVMA started to update this document, last published in 2007, approximately two years ago, and HSVMA submitted extensive commentary from a variety of experts as part of that review. The new guidelines are being finalized and are expected to be published, with accompanying tables and figures, by late spring or summer of 2012.

Visit the AVMA website to read the current AVMA welfare policies under review and submit your comments.