| Virginia Fact Sheets
Animal Husbandry
VFBF Position
We support best management and husbandry practices for livestock and poultry as provided by our land grant colleges and other institutions.
We support a study and plans to increase the number of large food animal veterinarians in Virginia.
Background
Virginia is facing a shortage of large food animal veterinarians that will endanger our safe abundant food supply. Each year research has indicated that there is a 4 to 5 percent shortfall in the number of large food animal veterinarians entering the workforce. Virginians need safe food and without enough veterinarians in the food chain, the public’s expectations will not be met. The shortage of large food animal veterinarians puts the food supply, as well as the health of both humans and animals in danger.
The animal rights movement is gaining momentum across the United States threatening American’s safe, affordable, and abundant food supply. Virginia farmers plan to continue to produce an abundant food supply for Virginians. In order to achieve their goals of feeding the Commonwealth, farmers need legislators to make common sense decisions regarding animal regulations. The animal agriculture industry has adopted guidelines that ensure the proper treatment of animals during their lifetime.
Virginia animal agricultural producers and industry leaders are committed to professional animal agricultural care. We support the responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as food, fiber, recreation, work, education, exhibition, and research conducted for the benefit of both humans and animals. Virginia animal agricultural producers request that decisions regarding animal use and care be founded in scientific knowledge and professional judgment. The scientific base of knowledge regarding animal care is available through Virginia’s land grant colleges and universities. As animal agriculture producers, we understand the need for proper handling, health care, proper nutrition, and management appropriate to the care and use of the species of an animal.
Virginia animal agriculture is continually striving to advance animal care through scientific research, education, collaboration, and advocacy. We ask that you, as the decision makers, base your decisions on the science
and economics of animal agriculture and not on the emotional desires of extreme groups. We ask that you support the agencies that are currently enforcing the animal cruelty laws, Animal Control Officers, and the Office of the State Veterinarian. These are experts with the training and knowledge to interpret animal cruelty laws and to understand how to enforce these standards on animal owners.
Reasons for Position
- Large food animal veterinarians ensure that Virginia has a safe food supply.
- Laws regulating how animals are raised need to be based on proven scientific evidence from animal science professionals.
- It is in the best interest of the producer to raise their animals in a safe and productive environment so they can get a higher return on their investment.
- Veterinarians and Animal Control Officers have the training and reporting that is needed to enforce animal cruelty laws.
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