Animal Welfare

26 January

Comments sought on proposed changes to AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare

The AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA) is under review, and AVMA members and the general public will have an opportunity to comment until March 25, 2018. This cornerstone AVMA policy is used as a primary resource during the writing and review of veterinary practice acts across the United States, and also includes the AVMA’s definition of the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship. This means your comments will help inform a policy that directly impacts the daily practice of veterinary medicine. During the commenting period, AVMA...

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05 January

National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies Published

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare

The National Link Coalition – the National Resource Center on The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence—has announced the publication of a free National Directory of Abuse Investigation Agencies, covering more than 6,500 counties, cities and towns, that identifies which agency in that jurisdiction investigates reports of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect. The Directory was created in response to laws in 34 states, and policies from AVMA and AAHA, which require or permit veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty....

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03 November

States consider animal welfare, dogs dining in restaurants

Sherri Dean   |   Animal Welfare

Although most state legislatures are currently out of session, a number of state proposals related to animal welfare came forth this month from D.C., Michigan, New York, and Ohio. In Michigan, a new bill would prohibit any person from leaving or confining an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal. The District of Columbia proposed a bill that would allow food establishments to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas and...

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08 September

Washington Wildfires

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare

Wildfires continue to devastate massive areas of the western United States and Washington. Currently, Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Reserve Veterinary Corp has not been deployed and they’ve received no requests for animal resources. Here is information to share with your clients: AVMA Disaster and Emergency Resources Planning for Disasters Saving the Whole Family: Disaster Preparedness – English Salvando a la Familia Entera: Preparativos ante un Desastre – Spanish/Espanol ASPCA – ASPCA Mobile App | ASPCA USDA - Preparedness...

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04 August

Non-economic damages case is denied review by Washington State Supreme Court

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare

The Washington State Supreme Court has denied review of a case against Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine by a dog owner attempting to recover money for his emotional distress related to watching the euthanasia of his dog. The plaintiff alleged that the euthanasia solution extravasated, causing the dog pain and to cry out extensively during the procedure.  Lawyers for the student and teacher involved in the procedure were able to have the claim for emotional distress damages dismissed.  The...

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26 August

Louisiana floods hit the veterinary community

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare, Uncategorized

In the wake of the devastating floods in Louisiana, many veterinary practices in the flood zone sustained heavy damage, with some veterinarians’ homes flooded. Veterinary students, faculty and staff at LSU have also suffered losses due to the flooding. The Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) is providing veterinary care, search and rescue operations, and shelter for animals displaced by the disaster. Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine is among the locations providing care and shelter for animals.  The National...

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19 August

“National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day” aims to increase cat visits

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare, Uncategorized

Monday, August 22, 2016 is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day. Established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the purpose is to help cats get better healthcare by increasing routine visits to the veterinarian. According to AAFP, 83% of cats are taken to a veterinarian during the first year of ownership, but over half of them never return. AAFP has made free resources available for veterinary practices including a pre-visit checklist, carrier tips, tips to reduce...

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11 March

Mandatory microchips for all dogs in England

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare, Uncategorized

As of April 6, all dogs in England must be microchipped or face fines of up to $700 (U.S. dollars). England’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural affairs say that local authorities and pet charities will save nearly $50 million annually in kenneling, food and rehoming costs if every dog is microchipped. Approximately 1.5 million dogs in England are not microchipped and in 2015, nearly 48,000 dogs were left unclaimed in shelters across the country. Authorities say that microchipping is...

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20 November

“How Much Do You Charge to Declaw a Cat?”

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare, Uncategorized

The practice of surgically declawing cats has become a controversial topic. Veterinarians are faced with clients that threaten relinquishment or abandonment of cats if the surgery is not performed.  An opposing viewpoint is offered by an increasing number of anti-declawing activists that feel the procedure causes mutilation of the cat and is inhumane.  These activists, passionate about their cause, have become very aggressive toward veterinary hospitals that provide declawing services. In August, 2015 the AMVF’s “America’s Favorite Veterinarian” contest was abruptly...

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08 August

AVMA amends declaw policy

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare, Uncategorized

At the July meeting in Denver, the AVMA House of Delegates approved an amendment to their policy on the declawing of domestic cats. The updated version, not yet available online, clarifies that the procedure is major surgery that should only be performed after alternatives have been sought to prevent destructive clawing. The updated policy describes onychectomy as an amputation and emphasizes the importance of client education. The AVMA believes the decision to declaw rests with the owner, in consultation with...

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