Animal Welfare

Washington -- An effort to close Internet loopholes for puppy sales is underway at the federal level. New bills would require breeders selling more than 50 dogs per year to be licensed and undergo veterinary inspections.

National Report -- While rescue efforts remain the focus in Japan in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, numerous veterinary organizations are well aware of the animal impact and remain poised to help.

Iowa lawmakers are taking aim at individuals who work undercover at farms to gain footage of alleged animal abuse.

Relief groups to deploy veterinarians, technicians to Japan in wake of catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.

Two years of work by 14 shelter veterinarians resulted in the first-ever comprehensive report for care of animals in shelters.

Washington -- Patricia Olson, DVM, PhD, has been named chief veterinary advisor the American Humane Association, just three months after she left her position as chief executive officer of Morris Animal Foundation (MAF).

Bismarck, N.D. -- Veterinarians and law enforcement officers may be able to seize animals they suspect are being abused or neglected if a new law proposed in North Dakota is passed.

National Report - A new study by the American Society for the pRevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that only 19 percent of law enforcement officers are trained in handling crimes against animals, even though 78 percent acknowledge there is a link between animal abuse and other violent crimes.

A veterinarian writes an apology letter to a former pet owner who couldn't afford to care for his dog.

How veterinarians can help with this devastating problem.

Oklahoma City, Okla.? Freshman Sen. Josh Brecheen (R-Coalgate) is asking fellow legislators to repeal the state's recently passed Commercial Pet Breeders Act.

Lincoln, Neb. - A new report advocating shooting as a suitable means of population control for feral cats is drawing the ire of several groups, including the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Baltimore - Veterinarians need to engage the public in dialogue about animal-welfare issues.

How considering animal welfare can benefit your bottom line.

Albany, N.Y. -- New York lawmakers are looking to curb antimicrobial usage by pre-filing new legislation that would make non-therapeutic antimicrobial use a misdemeanor offense.

Jefferson City, Mo. -- A bill to repeal Missouri?s contested Proposition B already has been pre-filed in the state Senate for consideration in the new year.

Denver, Colo. -- Dog breeding facilities must now use coated wire for enclosures, according to a new law set out by the Colorado's Department of Agriculture.

Concord, N.H. -- Dog racing officially becomes an illegal activity in New Hampshire with the start of 2011, though broadcasts of races elsewhere still will be permitted.

A link between human and animal abuse?

Portland, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Agriculture, as directed by state lawmakers in 2009, will stop issuing new exotic animal permits beginning in January 2011.

How can veterinarians help promote animal welfare?

Cites policy on responsible use of animals in studies that benefit animal, human welfare.

Veterinarian's Oath amended to include clause about animal welfare.

Baltimore -- Dr. Thomas R. Lenz will headline AAEP's meeting dubbed "The Equine Welfare Wars: When Emotion and Fact Collide."

APHIS told that current system is ineffective, recommends turning it over to DVMs