AVMA to Recognize Achievements in Animal Welfare
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently announced it would be merging three existing animal welfare awards under a new banner to recognize significant achievements in the advancement of humane efforts and animal welfare.
The AVMA Animal Welfare/Humane Awards comprise the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, the AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and the AVMA Humane Award. According to AVMA President, Mike Topper, the unification of the three awards under a single category will allow the organization to better highlight the diverse range of talent and efforts in veterinary medicine while also underscoring the value of adopting a One Health perspective.
Criteria for the AVMA Animal Welfare/Humane Awards are as follows:
- Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award: Outstanding work of veterinarians in preserving and protecting human-animal relationships. Named in honor of the late Leo K. Bustad, pioneer in the field of human-animal interaction.
- AVMA Animal Welfare Award: Achievement of an AVMA member veterinarian in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy.
- AVMA Humane Award: Advancement of the welfare of animals through leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy. Awarded to non-veterinarians only.
The awards will be presented, together, during the AVMA’s annual convention in July. Nominations for the awards are being accepted through February 15.
Source: Group of awards spotlights commitment to animal wellbeing