A New Veterinary Organization

As my previous posts have indicated, the American Veterinary Medical Association in the United States is often at odds with animal welfare organizations for numerous reasons. For instance, the AVMA's official position on slaughter is the opposite of those who are trying to push anti-slaughter federal legislation through the House and Congress.

It is important to realize however that not all vets support the official position of their national organization. Yesterday, the Humane Society of the United States announced the formation of a new organization, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), to, as the web site of the United States Humane Society states, "give a home to veterinarians who want to associate themselves with progressive leadership on animal protection issues." The new group combines the efforts of the Humane Society of the US and the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights.

The AVMA's position on slaughter is not the only example of their divergence with the United States Humane Society on animal welfare issues. According to Wayne Pacelle, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the US, the AVMA does not oppose the force feeding of geese for foie gras or the confinement of laying hens for egg production, among other issues.

My guess is that this is a battle of two national organizations who represent the extremes of opposing positions because of financial implications . It is hard to imagine the AVMA willingly supporting inhumane activities without "just" cause--even if that cause is financial (and I suspect it is). It is equally hard to imagine that the United States Humane Society would willingly divorce itself from those who provide care to the constituency it is charged with protecting.

Here's hoping the new organization provides a way for the two groups to meet halfway, perhaps without the pressures imposed by the financial sponsors of the separate organizations. After all, one would hope that it would always be about the best interest of the animals.