Keep your eye out for a new animal rights activist group called the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA). The group was from through a “corporate combination agreement” by the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights. It is crucial that dairy producers are even more transparent with consumers on the humane treatment of their animals and how they protect the environment.
The group’s goal is to compete with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and, among other things, to effect change in animal ag’s handling of livestock. “All too often, the AVMA sides with animal-use industries and not with animals,” said Wayne Pacelle, the vegan president and CEO of HSUS.
HSVMA will give veterinarians, veterinary students and veterinary technicians an opportunity to participate in animal welfare programs, including disaster response; expanded hands-on animal care; spaying and neutering; and advocacy for legislative, corporate and veterinary medical school reforms.
Among the new group’s efforts will be outreach to veterinary students and vet technicians. Already, HSUS has collaborative programs with veterinary schools at Louisiana State and Mississippi State universities.