AVMA Publishes Euthanasia Guidelines

March 6, 2013 — 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) published Feb. 27 the 2013 edition of the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals are intended for use by members of the veterinary profession who carry out or oversee the euthanasia of animals. The overriding commitment of these Guidelines is to provide veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.

The recommendations in the Guidelines are intended to guide veterinarians, who must then use professional judgment in applying them to the various settings where animals are to be euthanized. AASV encourages our members to review the document and provide comments to AVMA regarding the scientific merit and practical application of the guidelines for swine. AVMA members may provide comment on the AVMA website or directly to AASV (aasv@aasv.org).

The guidelines are available in pdf form or as a as a free download from Smashwords in a number of formats compatible with e-readers.