AVMA Refuses to Partner with HSUS
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AVMA Refuses to Partner with HSUS





The organization representing more than 73,000 veterinarians across the country has dismissed plans to ally with the nation’s leading animal rights group.

According to the latest issue of DVM Magazine, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Executive Board unanimously decided in April to scrap plans for a joint letter to Congress with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The letter was intended to promote animal welfare issues, but the AVMA soon thought better than to get in bed with the anti’s.

The key deal breaker is the HSUS’ support of efforts to ban sow gestation stalls. Such a stance vexes many veterinarians. The AVMA thus ended its partnership with the multi-million dollar lobbying group in response to concern from food animal counterparts, said Executive Board Chairman Dr. Bud Hertzog.

Hertzog admitted that he believes there will be issues the two organizations can work on, “but as far as having any joint statement, I don’t think that’s a possibility.”

HSUS President Wayne Pacelle, apparently bitter from the rejection, called the AVMA withdrawal “mind boggling.” He conceded that “it doesn’t look like HSUS and AVMA will be working together in this capacity in the future.”

Tom Burkgren, executive director of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians added, “You can’t send a message to Congress showing unity with HSUS and then hold them at arm’s length on issues where we don’t agree. You don’t want to send the message that HSUS has any role in policy-making at the AVMA.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance supports the AVMA’s decision to refuse to be linked with the nation’s most powerful animal rights group. The HSUS’ agenda includes efforts to ban animal use, including legal and regulated use of animals in agriculture, for research, and hunting and trapping.

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