COLUMBUS, OHIO — JULY 1, 2010 — The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) commends the efforts of Gov. Ted Strickland, the Humane Society of the United States, and livestock organizations to reach a consensus on important animal care and well-being issues. The evolving nature of animal welfare discussions in Ohio were advanced by these dialogues.
The well-being of food animals involves a complex matrix of standards, with various welfare advantages and disadvantages. The permanency of a ballot measure does not lend itself well to the nature of evolving scientific knowledge in this area. All Ohioans and the animals they care for are best served by this cooperative approach to reach consensus among the stakeholders.
The OVMA hopes this agreement will serve as a blueprint for future dialogues and effective leadership on matters of animal care and well-being. The agreement also resulted in productive dialogue that will eventually progress into advancing Ohio measures addressing increased penalties for cockfighting, issues surrounding exotic animal ownership, and adopting reasonable regulation of large-scale commercial dog breeders in our state.
The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and its membership looks forward to offering its assistance to legislators and regulators to help enact progressive, responsible reforms in all of the areas outlined by this agreement.
The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is a non-profit organization providing services to its members in the areas of continuing education, advocacy on public policy matters, and access to variety of professional resources. The OVMA represents more than 2,400 veterinarians practicing in various fields and specialties. The OVMAÕs principal purpose and mission is to foster life-long learning, stewardship, compassion and community in veterinary medicine.
