AVMA settles AVAR threats

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has agreed to reimburse the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR) $1,788 after revoking the activist organization's booth space during its July 2004 annual meeting.

In a Jan. 6 letter, AVMA attorney James W. Rankin writes that while AVMA stands by its decision to rescind AVAR's exhibition privileges during the Philadelphia meeting, the group recognizes the verdict was not rendered in time to "permit AVAR to avoid certain out-of-pocket expenses associated with participating as an exhibitor."

AVMA revoked the group's booth space in response to the publication of a New York Times advertisement paid, in part, by AVAR, which chastised the national membership organization for its animal welfare policies.

AVAR, in turn, threatened AVMA with legal action if at least half of its expenses were not repaid, including shipping and travel costs as well as the booth fee.

In the letter, Rankin "welcomes" AVAR to apply for booth space at the AVMA's 2005 Convention in Minneapolis.