IV AAEP News May 2018


ASSOCIATION


Equine welfare priorities set for next three years By Dr. Bruce Whittle


The AAEP’s Welfare and Public Policy Advisory Council held a strategic planning session in late February to determine the association’s key areas of focus regarding equine welfare. In addition to WPPAC members, partici- pants included the AAEP’s officers and staff as well as a representative from the AVMA.


Prior to the meeting, a subcommittee of the WPPAC provided an extensive list of issues that served as the starting point for discussion. The council was tasked with identifying the equine welfare issues that had the most effect on the horse, the public and AAEP-member veteri- narians but which the AAEP had the ability to effect change. Our diverse group brought a wealth of knowledge to the table. The variety of opinions also made the task of narrowing the topics more difficult due to varying personal interests.


Ultimately, the group chose five key areas of focus and formed the following subcommittees for each:


  subcommittee chair


  subcommittee chair


  Dr. Reynolds Cowles, subcommittee chair


  subcommittee chair


  Dr. Nicole Eller, subcommittee chair.


Resources to help veterinarians assist law enforcement officers during neglect and abuse cases will be developed.


Each subcommittee was charged with setting both short- and long-term goals for their work.


The WPPAC will continue to research and advise the AAEP board of directors on other matters affecting equine welfare, but by devoting most of our efforts to these five categories, the council’s goal is to make a measurable impact. Several other welfare issues were discussed at the planning session that were deemed important to work on or develop policy statements for but will not require the effort devoted to the five focus areas.


Dr. Whittle of Trenton, Mo., is the chair of the Welfare and Public Policy Advisory Council.


Starting off on the right foot, continued


region’s farriers and veterinarians, a sentiment echoed by longtime Tryon farrier Jack Montgomery.


“Before the farrier jams, there were a few farriers who worked well together; but for the most part there was too much competition, and relationships between veterinarians and farriers were like walking on eggshells,” said Montgomery. “The farrier to farrier and the veterinarian to farrier relationships have grown tremendously. It’s amazing how the farrier jam sessions have helped everyone evolve.”


Communication about upcoming jam sessions is handled through a Google Group listserv with approximately 80 farrier members. Although the jam session can make for a long day, the camaraderie and conversation invigorate its host.


“If around 4:30 on that first Monday afternoon I’ve had a busy day, I’m tired and I’m thinking ‘I don’t have the energy to do this,’ I never feel that way at 10:00 when we finish,” said Dr. Freer. “I’m supercharged that attendees have had a good time, we’ve had a good discussion and the owners are happy.”


If you are interested in establishing your own farrier meetings, Dr. Freer recommends recruiting several respected veteran farriers with whom you have a good relationship for help in getting started. Dr. Freer has helped several colleagues establish their own meetings and is glad to share her experience with those who contact her directly at bfreer@windstream.net.


Photo courtesy of Dr. Grant Miller


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