AVMA Animals Used in Entertainment, Shows, and Exhibition (2007)

The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions and in motion pictures and television in accordance with existing federal, state, and local animal protection laws. The AVMA encourages all organizations involved with animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, and in motion pictures and television to develop, implement, and enforce appropriate guidelines or standards to ensure humane treatment of these animals, including the provision of veterinary care.

Further, the AVMA recommends that any spectator events involving animals be conducted in a manner that  minimizes injury and that veterinary care be provided or is readily available. Examples of such events include but are not limited to animal exhibitions, dog racing, dog sled racing, field trials, horse racing, polo, and rodeo. The AVMA condemns the fraudulent use of drugs, nonnutritive agents, or procedures intended to alter performance, conformation, appearance, or other functions of animals in competition, The Association urges its members to report such activities to the appropriate authorities.

Finally, the AVMA condemns the use of live animals for training racing dogs and the practice of “soring” as defined by and covered in the Horse Protection Act, U.S. Code Title 15, Chapter 44, Sections 1821-1831; Title 9, Chapter 1, Parts 11 & 12.

Reproduced by permission from the American Veterinary Medical Association.