Today, a group of veterinarians announced the formation of a new nonprofit organization called, The Veterinary Association for Farm Animal Welfare (VAFAW). VAFAW is the only veterinary association in the United States devoted solely to improving the welfare of farm animals. The association was formed out of a need for increased veterinary leadership, education, and advocacy focused on the welfare of animals used in food and fiber production systems. Members of VAFAW will provide a veterinary perspective grounded in animal welfare and ethics to advance policies and practices that improve the lives of farm animals.
Through education, policy development, advocacy, and collaborative animal care, VAFAW seeks to:
- Improve the welfare of animals used in food and fiber production through the promotion and utilization of contemporary science-driven frameworks and research;
- Support veterinarians, animal producers, and suppliers in their adoption of welfare-centered practices and policies for farm animals; and,
- Build awareness about food and fiber production systems and help mitigate or eliminate the harmful impact of those systems on animals and society.
Gwendolen Reyes-Illg, DVM, MA, Chair of the VAFAW Board of Directors and Director of Policy Development, said, “Veterinarians are known for their compassion, scientific understanding, and pragmatism; VAFAW seeks to leverage this unique constellation of professional attributes to speed up the pace of progress when it comes to improving farm animal welfare.”
As a diverse group of veterinarians, VAFAW wants to see animal welfare research informing animal agricultural policy and practices through legislation, regulations, industry standards, and corporate protocols. The initial focus of the association will be on: (1) preventing and mitigating pain experienced by farm animals; (2) encouraging living environments that meet the animals’ physical and psychological needs; and (3) ensuring humane end-of-life practices. From livestock barns to the halls of Congress and veterinary schools to slaughterhouses, members of VAFAW will use their veterinary voice and expertise to meaningfully improve farm animal welfare.
VAFAW organizational leaders are available to provide a veterinary perspective on farm animal welfare issues to the media. VAFAW membership is open to veterinarians, veterinary students, and members of the public who are supportive of the mission.
For more information about VAFAW, to make a donation, and to become a member, visit www.VAFAW.org.
