“Adrian was one of a kind - his passion for animal welfare changed the lives of millions of dogs in the 24 years he was at Dogs Trust."

Tributes pour out for Adrian Burder

Dogs Trust CEO Adrian Burder has died unexpectedly following a short illness, the charity has announced.

Adrian had worked at the charity for more than 20 years, formerly as marketing director, before becoming CEO in 2014.

Acting CEO Jim Monteith commented: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that our much loved CEO, Adrian Burder, has died unexpectedly following a short illness. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time.
 
“Adrian was one of a kind - his passion for animal welfare changed the lives of millions of dogs in the 24 years he was at Dogs Trust. He will be terribly missed by staff, trustees and volunteers past and present and we are so grateful for his immeasurable contribution to making the world a better place for man’s best friend.
 
“We are all still letting this tragic news sink in. Adrian has been an integral part of our charity for so many years, as a hugely successful fundraiser and then as CEO since 2014. Adrian is Dogs Trust and we will continue our work in his memory.”

His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues:
Mayhew
‘We are so saddened to hear of the loss of @DogsTrust CEO Adrian Burder. We will always remember his huge support and passion for animals here and overseas. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and colleagues on this sad day.’

RSPCA CEO Chris Sherwood
‘I am so very sorry to hear of the untimely death of @DogsTrust CEO Adrian Burder. Adrian gave 24 years of his life to the charity & I know that he will be much missed by the whole animal welfare sector. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & colleagues at this difficult time.’

Sara Turetta, Save the Dogs, Romania
‘I want to remember Adrian Burder like this: smiling during the official opening of @SavetheDogsSTD brand new clinic, exactly one year ago. We were so proud to have you with us that day. I will never forget your kindness, your generosity, your professionalism. Miss you already.’

Dogs Foundation, Sri Lanka
‘The world of animal welfare has lost a true star

‘Adrian was a one in a million, a genuine man with a passion for animal welfare and a fierce supporter of those working hands-on with dogs both in the U.K. and overseas…

‘Adrian was a gentleman, a rare individual who shared his gifts freely to others to help them achieve his goal which was a better world for dogs.’