Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Responds to Misrepresentations of the Truth

HERSHEY, Pa., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 23, longtime "animal rights" activist Bill Smith distributed a news release that contained gross misrepresentations about the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA).  This is PVMA's response.

As veterinarians, PVMA members are committed to the health and welfare of animals.  Smith's characterization of PVMA as "traditionally" siding with commercial dog breeders is 100 percent false.  PVMA's position on animal health and welfare issues is independent from any other special interest group and is based on medical science, as well as the experience of our members in treating and caring for animals.  

PVMA speaks on behalf of its 2,200 member veterinarians and veterinary students.  As in the past, PVMA will continue to build relationships and work with groups that are interested in achieving higher levels of animal welfare for all species.  As in the past, we expect that in some cases we will agree with the positions of other groups and disagree with others.  

Advancing animal welfare is central to our mission and to the oath each of our members takes in becoming a veterinarian.  Our positions are based on countless hours of discussion and deliberation among veterinarians – animal health and welfare experts – about what is best for the welfare of animals.  

PVMA's positions regarding Act 119 of 2008, known as the Pennsylvania Dog Law, were developed by our Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee, which is composed of 26 veterinarians and veterinary students from all career paths and levels and areas of expertise.  Once the committee reached consensus, the recommendations were approved by the board of trustees, who are elected by their fellow veterinarians.

At the center of Smith's concern is that the Canine Health Board (CHB), which was created by Act 119, will decide to accept wire flooring in dog kennels.  While PVMA does not speak for the CHB, Act 119 specifically prohibits wire flooring in kennels.  Any flooring systems must also meet additional requirements such as drainage to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for the dogs in the enclosure.

From the beginning of the process to advance Act 119, PVMA supported the efforts to improve the welfare and lives of the dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities.  We supported the need for regular exercise, the need for regular veterinary care, readily available potable water at all times, an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and flooring that would provide adequate support and stability and has moderate drainage to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for the dogs.

We continue to support the efforts of the Canine Health Board and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that Act 119 of 2008 is enforced and that the final regulations promulgated are ones that are enforceable, compliable, and most importantly, in the best interest of the dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) was established in 1883 and since that time has been dedicated to advancing animal welfare and ensuring the vitality of the veterinary profession.  It is the only statewide professional membership organization for Pennsylvania veterinarians; representing over 2,200 veterinarians and veterinary students involved in all areas of veterinary medicine.  For more information, visit www.pvma.org.  

SOURCE Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association