The honor is presented each year to a non-veterinarian for their work in animal welfare.
John McGlone, a professor of animal welfare and animal behavior in the Texas Tech University Department of Animal and Food Science, was honored by the American Veterinary Medical Association with the AVMA Humane Award at the organization's convention in Boston.
The award is presented by the AVMA each year to a non-veterinarian for his or her work in promoting animal welfare through leadership, education, public service and research. The design of the award is to encourage attention to animal welfare through responsible animal use while rewarding thoughtful scientific animal welfare advocacy.
“They give one out only once a year and have been doing it for only 13 years, so I'm honored and grateful to receive this award,” McGlone said. “I'm happy to be recognized. It is a great feeling to get an award from this organization.”
McGlone is an expert on swine behavior but also has expertise in the physiology and behavior of domestic animals, including pets and laboratory animals. His research in animal pheromones has resulted in numerous products that help control behavior in household pets. His research in farm animal care has defined farm animal care both at universities and commercial farm.
He has served on the AVMA's Task Force on Sow Housing, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee, and was highly involved with AAALAC International and laboratory animal care among his numerous activities promoting animal welfare.
“John is an internationally recognized authority on farm animal welfare,” said Michael Galyean, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “We are very pleased that his many accomplishments are being recognized with the prestigious award from the AVMA.”
In addition to maintaining an active research program in animal behavior, McGlone has been the administrator or Institutional Official that oversees campus-wide animal care at Texas Tech University since 2007.
“John McGlone has been a pioneer in the field of animal welfare and behavior for more than 30 years,” said Michael Orth, professor and chairman of the Department of Animal and Food Science. “His impact can be seen in the high quality of students he has mentored, his service to national associations and Texas Tech University and his collaborations with industry partners. He is truly deserving of this award.”