The American Veterinary Medical Association has updated its Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals to include additional species.
The newest edition of a document first published in 2016 provides best practices for humanely ending the lives of animals intended for food or fiber. The earlier guidelines focused on hooved livestock, poultry, fin fish and crocodilians. The updated version provides additional information on ducks, geese, pheasants, quail and ratites and adds sections covering mink, other fur-bearing animals, frogs, decapods and cephalopods.
The document also includes information about religious slaughter, which is exempt from the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.
The guidelines were developed by 13 veterinarians and animal scientists and involved a literature review, species-focused working groups and AVMA member comments.
The guidelines aim to ensure that animals are treated as humanely and respectfully as possible during every life stage. They provide guidance for veterinarians on preventing animal pain and distress during slaughter.
The AVMA produces three educational resources to support end-of-life decision-making. They include the Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals, the Guidelines on the Euthanasia of Animals and the Guidelines on the Depopulation of Animals.
“[These documents] provide critical guidance for veterinarians in delivering difficult, but necessary, services for their patients and their clients every single day in practice,” said Dr. Rober Meyer, who chaired the AVMA Panel on Humane Slaughter.
The latest Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals are posted at bit.ly/3MWbzWN.