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Expert Findings

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) position statement on “Management of Mares Used in the Pregnant Mares’ Urine (PMU) Collection Industry,” which reads as follows:

“Through on-site investigations and peer review of ongoing research, the American Association of Equine Practitioners believes the collection of urine from pregnant mares and care of their offspring as prescribed by the Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Horses in PMU Operations represents responsible management of horses to produce a commodity for the benefit of mankind that should not result in abuse, neglect, or inhumane treatment of horses.”

 --JAVMA, Vol. 232, No. 1, January 1, 2008

"All (tie-stalled pregnant mares) were free of classic stereotypies and other abnormal behavior, which is consistent with observations that tie-stalled horses exhibit lower than average equine industry rates of behavior problems."

- AAEP Proceedings, Volume 44, 1998, "Health and Welfare of Stabled PMU Mares Under Various Watering Methods and Turnout Schedules: 2. Behavior".

(This research was co-authored by Dr. Sue McDonnell, PhD., a renowned and respected horse behavior expert from the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania)

"PMU mares receive quality feed and water, and in many respects the care is comparable to that given horses, or for that matter any livestock, used for other purposes in North America."

- Arthur B. King, DVM, CVMA, Spring 1997

"PMU farms labeled "responsible" by inspectors"

- American Association of Equine Practitioners Report, February 1997