Improving the lives of farm animals is the driving force behind a recently formed nonprofit organization.
Launched in Jan. 2024, the Veterinary Association for Farm Animal Welfare (VAFAW) aims to increase veterinary leadership, education, and advocacy for the welfare of animals used in food and fiber production systems.
“Veterinarians are known for their compassion, scientific understanding, and pragmatism,” says Gwendolen Reyes-Illg, DVM, MA, chair of the VAFAW board of directors and director of Policy Development, in the association’s statement. “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.”
Through legislation, regulations, industry standards, and corporate protocols, VAFAW seeks to:
● Improve the welfare of animals used in food and fiber production by promoting and utilizing contemporary science-driven frameworks and research.
● Support veterinarians, animal producers, and suppliers in their adoption of welfare-centered practices and policies for farm animals.
● Build awareness about food and fiber production systems.
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