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The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) advocates for animals through legislation, publication and litigation. We strive to develop better public policies for animals and advance humane alternatives in veterinary education.
Advocacy

Sen. Feinstein and Bipartisan Cosponsors Introduce Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act
Legislation Would Phase Out Non-therapeutic Use of Antibiotics for Farm Animals

June 27, 2013

To preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating sick people and animals, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has introduced the Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act, which would phase out the routine non-therapeutic use of these drugs in farm animals. With antibiotics routinely laced into the feed and water to promote growth and to keep animals alive in unhealthy and inhumane conditions on industrial factory farms, animal agriculture accounts for more than 70 percent of total sales of medically important antibiotics in the United States.

Sen. Feinstein was joined by a bipartisan group of cosponsors – Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Jack Reed, D-R.I., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association praised the legislators for their action.

Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH, an HSVMA Leadership Council member and former deputy director for the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said: "We commend Senator Feinstein and the cosponsors of this important legislation for working to rein in the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture. We cannot afford to continue the reckless practices that jeopardize the viability of these precious tools for human and animal health."

More than 450 organizations representing agricultural, health, environmental, animal protection, hunger, labor, religious and other concerns endorse federal legislation to phase out the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture. Additionally, 125 individual veterinary professionals have signed a petition sponsored by the HSVMA, which reads:

We, the undersigned licensed veterinary professionals, support…federal legislation that would phase out the routine non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in farm animals. Antibiotic overuse is a common practice in animal agriculture to compensate for overcrowded, stressful and unsanitary conditions on factory farms. Profligate use of these drugs threatens to ruin the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating sick animals and people. As medical professionals, we support efforts to restrict such non-judicious uses of antibiotics in order to protect animal and human health.

In March, Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., introduced similar legislation in the House, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA), H.R. 1150.

Media Contact: Anna West: 301-258-1518; [email protected]
 
Consejos para mantener a sus mascotas seguras este 4 de Julio
Tuesday, June 25, 2013 12:00 AM
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Four Tips for Giving Your Pets a Safe July 4th
Advocacy

Four Tips for Giving Your Pets a Safe July 4th
Make this summer holiday happy and harmless for the animals in your life

Dog wearing American flag bandana
Sherri R Camp

June 25, 2013

[ En Español ]

The Humane Society of the United States and its veterinary affiliate, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, encourage pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe this Independence Day and to be aware of two potential hazards: fireworks and heat.

Fireworks

Many pets can become overwhelmed by the noise and commotion associated with parades and fireworks displays. In fact, so many pets become frightened and try to flee the sights and sounds that animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic increase in lost pets during the holiday.

"Our pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells than we are, so Fourth of July festivities can quickly become frightening," said KC Theisen, The HSUS' director of pet care issues. "Provide them with a safe, secure place to stay while you enjoy the holiday."

Heat

Fourth of July festivities can make people forget that on any summer day, heat puts pets in jeopardy. Barry Kellogg, VMD, senior veterinary advisor for the HSVMA, points out "It is very important to remember that a dog doesn’t have to be shut in a car to be at risk of heat stroke. Pet owners need to be aware of this issue before it occurs, as it can turn deadly very quickly." Keep an eye on your pets and act immediately if you see any signs of heatstroke.

Four tips for a safe and happy Fourth of July

Now that you know what the dangers are, follow our tips for giving yourself and your pets a great Independence Day.

Keep all pets safely confined indoors on the 4th and the few days before and after the holiday, when people may be inclined to set off fireworks

There are many family and group activities that are perfect for pets, but a public fireworks display or any other type of gathering where fireworks will be set off usually isn’t one of them. It’s best to leave your pets safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to dampen jarring noises. Pets usually kept outdoors should be brought inside as an extra measure of safety. And if you must take your pet with you to an Independence Day event, keep her leashed and under your direct control at all times.

Never leave your pet in a parked car

On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. On an 85 degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car even with the windows cracked open can reach 102 degrees within just 10 minutes; after 30 minutes the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Even when the temperature outside is a balmy 72 degrees, the temperature inside your car can rocket to a fatal 116 degrees in less than an hour’s time. Additionally, a dog in a car is an invitation for theft, of the dog, the car, or both. Protect your pet by taking him with you when you leave the car, or leaving him at home if he cannot join your activities.

Consult your veterinarian if your pet is distressed by loud noises such as fireworks displays

Your veterinarian may be able to recommend medications and techniques to help alleviate your pet’s fear and anxiety. The Humane Society of the United States also offers tips for helping your dog cope with loud noises like thunder and fireworks.

Ensure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag with current contact information so you can be reunited quickly if your pet does escape

All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should wear collars with identification tags at all times. Indoor-only animals can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they take desperate measures to escape the noise, such as breaking through window or door screens. As an extra precaution, it’s a good idea to have your pet microchipped, with your current contact information registered with the chip company. If your pet does become lost, contact your local animal control and surrounding shelters immediately. If you find a lost pet, either take her to the address on the tag or bring her to the local animal shelter so she can be reunited with her family.

For more pet care resources, visit humanesociety.org/pets.

Media Contact: Raúl Arce-Contreras: 301-721-6440, [email protected]
 
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Advocacy

New Jersey Legislature Passes Animal-Protection Bills
Gov. Chris Christie urged to sign bills penalizing extreme neglect, improving veterinary care

June 20, 2013

The New Jersey Legislature passed two bills that will strengthen New Jersey's cruelty laws by increasing penalties for extreme animal neglect and will allow certain veterinary students to engage in supervised veterinary activities. The Humane Society of the United States urges Gov. Chris Christie to sign both bills into law.

"Patrick's Law," S.1303/A798, was named in honor of Patrick, a young dog who endured immense neglect and was found almost starved to death. Patrick's suffering has become emblematic of the need for New Jersey to treat extreme animal neglect with the seriousness it deserves. The bill will define serious bodily injury and upgrade the penalty for cases of extreme neglect. It was sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean Jr., R-District 21, and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R-District 21, passed the Senate with a 39-0 vote and previously passed in the Assembly with a 76-0 vote.

Kathleen Schatzmann, New Jersey state director for The Humane Society of the United States said: "Passage of this law will help deter acts that cause the sort of pain and suffering that Patrick endured when he was starved and then left to die in an apartment building’s garbage chute. But when these cases do happen, the perpetrators will face strong penalties thanks to the leadership of Senate Minority Leader Thomas Kean Jr. and other humane heroes in the New Jersey legislature."

Sen. Kean said: "Passage of 'Patrick’s Law' will provide law enforcement with the tools they need to effectively and appropriately penalize those who inflict extreme abuse and neglect upon animals. In turn, it is my hope that stronger laws will force people to think twice before taking out aggression or anger on an animal. There is no reason that any animal should have to suffer as Patrick did."

S2504/A4139 will allow students in good standing at an accredited veterinary school to perform veterinary duties under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The bill has the potential to increase veterinary services in New Jersey by attracting highly qualified veterinary professionals to practice in the state, which currently does not have a veterinary school. Sponsored by Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D- District 20 and Assemblyman Thomas Giblin D- District 34, S2504/A4139 passed the Senate with a 40-0 vote and the Assembly with a vote of 74-0.

Sen. Lesniak said: "We recognize the benefits that can be gained by fostering relationships between veterinary students and the New Jersey veterinary community. These relationships will help attract quality veterinarians to the state and thereby improve the level of care available to companion animals."

Dr. Barbara Hodges, veterinary advisor for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, said: "We believe it is important for veterinary students to have more properly supervised direct care experience and recognize the value that S2504 provides for both the students and the animals in their care."


Media Contact: Raúl Arce-Contreras: 301-721-6440, [email protected]
 
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