More on the AVMA oath revision, to include welfare

The American Veterinary Medical Association recently modified the veterinarian’s oath to include a concern for animal welfare. The Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan noted on Friday the inclusion of the phrase, “prevention of animal suffering.”

It’s an important revision and I hope this is another move forward for animal welfare.

In her feature on the subject, Lisa Hare includes this – “” For decades, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has upheld confinement farming practices, including veal crates, gestation crates and battery cages, and for years, strongly opposed revisions to the oath. “”

AVMA revises veterinary oath to stress the importance of animal welfare

The American Veterinary Medical Association has officially revised the Veterinarian’s Oath, to reflect a commitment to animal welfare.

“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.”

American Veterinary Medical Association issues statement against Missouri’s Prop B

Great strides have been made over time in veterinary medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association has certainly been a part of this advancement. But what I read as a statement from the AVMA in a recent DVM Magazine article is cause for concern.

Missouri’s Prop B simply sets minimum standards of care, a maximum on the number of breeding dogs allowed per kennel and it allows for time outside for the dogs and larger cage sizes and a ban on stacking cages. Anyone can attempt to inject “stuff” that isn’t in the bill or apply the dreaded slippery slope. But the fact remains that the ballot measure simply sets these minimum standards.