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UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
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Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
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Animal fighting
The AVMA condemns fighting events involving animals in which injury or death is intended, and recommends that animal fighting be considered a felony…
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Animal-assisted interventions: Definitions
Animal-assisted interventions should be governed by basic standards, monitored regularly, and staffed by appropriately trained personnel. The health…
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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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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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AVMA guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.
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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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Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
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Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
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Bovine castration
Cattle castration is important to animal and human safety, reduces aggressive behavior, and improves meat quality. The veterinarian of record should…
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UNDER REVIEWBreeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Companion animal care guidelines
View general guidelines for the care and humane treatment of animals in nonagricultural facilities such as shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels,…
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Dangerous animal legislation
The AVMA supports dangerous animal that does not refer to specific breeds or classes of animals.
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Declawing captive exotic and wild indigenous cats
The AVMA condemns declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.
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Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
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UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
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Docking of lambs' tails
Lambs' tails may be docked for cleanliness and to minimize fly strike. AVMA opposes excessively short tail docking, which is unacceptable for sheep…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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Donkey skin trade
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the donkey skin trade.
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Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs
The AVMA opposes canine ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes, and encourages eliminating ear cropping and tail docking…
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Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
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Elephant guides and tethers
The AVMA condemns the use of guides to puncture, lacerate, strike or inflict harm upon an elephant. The AVMA recommends tethers only be used when…