Press Release 9-6-05
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Press Release 9-6-05
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Standards of Care Documents Now Available By Joyce Abrams and Hilary Ware, Co-chairs, Camelid Community Standards of Care Working Group
The Standards of Care Working Group is proud to present the results of the charge by Lama Community to define Standards of Care for llamas and alpacas – one document stating minimum standards of camelid care for animal welfare officials and another educational document of recommended practices. These two final documents reflect broad-based consensus on both Minimum Standards of Care for Llamas and Alpacas and Recommended Practices in Caring for Llamas and Alpacas. The documents can be found at www.camelidcare.info where they can be read on the site or downloaded in pdf format for printing hard copies. Those without Internet access or a printer can call or email the committee chairs to obtain printed copies. The two original committees, now merged into one group called the Camelid Community Standards of Care Working Group, have done extensive outreach to assure that these tenets reflect common understanding of appropriate and humane camelid needs and care. It has been challenging to consider and include camelid living conditions for every corner of North America and practices that can be applied in the wide variety of situations in which llamas and alpacas live! Excellent suggestions from veterinary, nutrition, humane agency and camelid breeder experts led to fine tuning that has resulted in these nationally applicable documents. We extend sincere thanks to all those who participated in developing these documents. This is the first time national consensus has been achieved in these areas. It is a sign of industry maturation, cooperation, and the ability to compromise in the best interest of our camelid companions. The process has been painstakingly slow in order to assure all were heard and all ideas, wording and points of view were discussed and considered. Agreement on detail was slow to come, but there has been almost universal expression of the need for such documents and broadly representative approval of their content. Questions and comments can be directed to the committee chairs, Joyce Abrams (llamuz@forestedgefarm.com -- 541-592-6078) and Hilary Ware (hwware@maine.com -- 207-527-2319). Questions or comments regarding the website can be directed to the webmaster, Norma Stevens (msllama@aol.com). The two works are receiving enthusiastic responses from across North America. It is our hope that they will be widely used to support the welfare and well being of all camelids.
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Send mail to msllama@aol.com (Norma
Stevens) with questions or comments about this web site.
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