OUR HONOR at VMX 2025
The 2025 Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida, was a landmark event, drawing nearly 30,000 attendees from 86 countries to the Orange County Convention Center. As representatives of Our Honor, we were thrilled to participate and share our mission with the global veterinary community.
A highlight of our involvement was Dr. Crystal Heath's compelling presentation on the history of animal rights activism and ethics within the veterinary profession. Her insights captivated a large audience, sparking meaningful discussions on the role of veterinarians in advocating for animal welfare.
Throughout the conference, our "Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown" shirts were prominently displayed, symbolizing a collective stand against cruel practices. Many attendees visited our booth, expressing unfamiliarity with terms like "ventilation shutdown" and "pig gas chambers" until our conversations shed light on these critical issues. We provided information on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidelines concerning depopulation and “humane slaughter,” fostering awareness and prompting reflection on current industry standards.
Our team attended sessions focused on animal depopulation and avian influenza in dairy cattle, gaining valuable knowledge while also contributing our perspectives. The exchange of ideas was enriching, highlighting the importance of continuous education and ethical considerations in veterinary practices.
Many were excited to wear T-shirts supporting Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown and Our Honor.
The response to our advocacy was overwhelmingly positive. Numerous veterinarians resonated with our message, signing the Veterinarians Association for Farmed Animal Welfare (VAFAW) letter reclassifying cruel depopulation methods. Additionally, many supported our initiative urging Disney to adopt firework-free celebrations, recognizing the impact of such events on animal well-being.
We were heartened to connect with many veterinary professionals who represent a growing movement within the veterinary field to promote animal-free protein production.
