AVMA takes up euthanasia concerns with new symposium, panel

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will spend $60,000 on an animal welfare symposium after noting discrepancies in euthanasia recommendations among various agencies and organizations.

The AVMA Executive Board approved the expenditure on recommendation from the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia and AVMA Animal Welfare Committee. Forums at the symposium, which will focus on euthanasia and euthanasia guidance, will be aimed at identifying gaps in research and resolve questions. Findings from the symposium could have substantial impact on the daily practice of veterinary medicine, says AVMA.

Dates have yet to be set, and AVMA says it estimates the remainder of the cost for the roughly $150,000 symposium will be paid through registration fees and sponsorship.

AVMA also created another panel to study euthanasia, the Panel on Humane Slaughter, which will be tasked with producing new guidance for the association.