Veterinarian's Oath Is Revised to Stress the Importance of Animal Welfare

Apparently feeling pressure from animal rights advocates within its ranks, the American Veterinary Medical Association has revised the oath taken by graduates of U.S. veterinary schools to stress the importance of animal welfare as well as animal health. The revised oath, approved by the AVMA Executive Board at its December meeting, now reads as follows (the additions appear in italics): "Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge."...more

I'm sure this has nothing to do with the Humane Society joining with the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights to form a new vet organization, called the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.