The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) doesn't seem able to tell the difference. The result is that rabbits raised for food are classified as poultry and have the same humane protections as chickens--none at all! This ad produced for the Humane Farming Association and co-sponsored by ARI and the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) ran full page in the New York Times in 2004. So far, USDA has not acted on the issue. Click on the ad for a large version. |
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Has anyone betrayed more animals than AVMA: Beholden to Industry, not Medicine Contact the AVMA by writing to: Download a copy of the ad by clicking on the picture. Requires Adobe's Acrobat Reader to view and print. You can download the free Acrobat Reader here. Millions of sheep and cows have died as a result of the horrific conditions encountered while being exported live to the Middle East and elsewhere. In addition, the animals face cruel slaughter practices in places that often have no legal or welfare protections at all. Please download a copy and use the contact information to protest to Prime Minister Howard and ask him to end the live trade for good (and in accordance with the greater public's wishes.) This ad ran in the Rocky Mountain News on the opening day of the AVMA's 2003 convention in Denver. For a downloadable version of this ad click here
Tell AVMA to Put Animals First!
Download a copy of the ad by clicking on the picture. Requires Adobe's Acrobat Reader to view and print. You can download the free Acrobat Reader here. Text of the ad is reproduced below.
the American Veterinary Medical Association?Betrayed is a strong word. But look at the facts.
The AVMA veterinarian's oath promises to "protect animal health and relieve animal suffering." Yet, astoundingly, the AVMA endorses practices that intentionally make animals sick while supporting some of the cruelest conditions for raising farm animals to be found anywhere in the world. So cruel they are banned or being phased out in Europe. But they are common right here in the United States and the AVMA is keeping it that way.
Isnt that a betrayal?
Ten billion farm animals are raised for food in the United States every year. Can you think of anyone else who has betrayed so many ?
Here are some of AVMAs worst betrayals.
Sow Stalls: A Lifetime of Immobility
In 2002, Florida voters outlawed the use of sow stalls in that state. Sow stalls are barren metal cages barely larger than the sow herself in which the pregnant animal spends most of her life. She can't turn around or lie down comfortably, let alone exercise.
But when California legislators tried for a similar ban, it was quickly derailed because AVMA policy says it ís fine to confine pigs in a cage so small they are unable to walk or even turn around for most of their lives.
Laying Hens: Starvation and Death by Wood Chipper
AVMA again showed its anti-animal philosophy in California last year when, according to San Diego County authorities, Dr Gregg Cutler, a vet on AVMA's Animal Welfare Committee, advised an egg farmer to get rid of twenty five thousand hens by throwing them, alive and fully conscious, into a wood chipperadvice that was gruesomely followed.
In spite of widespread public outrage, Dr Cutler remains on AVMA's Animal Welfare Committee.
No surprise then that AVMA policy also allows egg producers to starve hens for up to 14 days in a procedure called "forced molting" that shocks the birds into a new cycle of egg-laying.1 Starving hens is outlawed in Europe, but not here.
In a large operation, prolonged starvation kills many of the birds and leaves the survivors with weakened immune systems and endemic levels of salmonellahardly ethical medical care.
Veal Calves: Intentionally Sick
Veal crating is another U.S. practice that will soon be illegal in Europe. Pale veal is produced by intentionally making the calf anemic and debilitated. The calf spends his whole life squeezed into a two foot wide wooden crate. Yes, the AVMA defends that as well.
Most vets are decent people who care about animals. That same concern to help animals, not hurt them, must be the guiding principle at the AVMA. Instead the organization panders to agribusiness giants. Giving the AVMAs seal of approval to unscrupulous producers promotes rather than alleviates, disease and suffering. For billions of American farm animals, it is the ultimate betrayal.
Your Voice Can Upgrade AVMA Policies
The AVMA can change if you and your veterinarian get involved. Give your vet a copy of this ad (printable copies can be downloaded at: www.ari-online.org/cruelavma) and ask him or her to urge the AVMA to adopt ethical positions on animal welfare. And please protest to the AVMA yourself using the contact information below.
If you would like ARI or one of the other organizations below to send you and your vet additional information, please use the coupon or email info@ari-online.org Remember, AVMA polices affect billions of animals. Your action can make their lives vastly better.
Jack O. Walther, President
American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 North Meacham Road - Suite 100 Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 847.925.8070 · Fax: 847.925.1329
More information on the AVMA can be found at AVMAHurtsAnimals.com
Photographs of sow and veal crates
courtesy of www.farmsanctuary.org
1 For an explanation of how the starvation of hens forces them into a new laying cycle go to www.ari-online.org/molting or www.upc-online.org/molting/
Help End Australia's Live Export Trade.
This ad, produced and sponsored by Animal Rights International ran in four Australian Newspapers and has received a strong response from the public.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Promotes animal cruelty
Calf photo at top copyright Compassion in World Farming (www.ciwf.org)