"This new section of the AVMA Web site will play an important role in helping people understand the AVMA's science- and ethics-based approach to animal welfare," explains Dr. Gail Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division. "Ultimately, as it grows and evolves, we envision an in-depth resource that people will return to, again and again to gain issue-based knowledge and an appreciation for how complex animal welfare decision-making can be."

The new Web section went live on June 4. It offers links to brochures, policy statements, commentary on regulatory and legislative proposals, backgrounders, the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, press releases and journal articles, information about the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee, a meeting calendar and contact information for staff in the Animal Welfare Division.

"This new section of our Web site will provide an invaluable resource on one of the most complex and challenging issues in veterinary medicine-animal welfare. Information is very powerful. If we can raise awareness about animal welfare, it's reasonable to expect that humane treatment of animals-as pets, in the wild, in zoos and on farms-will improve," says Dr. Ron DeHaven, executive vice president of the AVMA. "Animal welfare assurance involves both science and philosophy, making the issues complex and difficult to understand. What's more, most people have strong convictions about animal welfare issues, making them inherently controversial. This new Web section provides a unique opportunity for the AVMA to answer questions, educate and serve the profession and the public as a leader on animal welfare issues."