Rabbit specialist crowned ‘vet of the year’ at CEVA awards
RWAF estimates that 70,000 rabbits have received RVHD2 vaccination thanks to Richard.
Rabbit specialist advisor Dr Richard Saunders was crowned ‘Vet of the Year’ at the 2018 Ceva Animal Welfare Awards.
Richard, who helps guide the welfare and strategy of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), won the prestigious ’Chris Laurence Vet of the Year’ award for his dedication to improving rabbit welfare. Judges praised Richard for his work in getting a new vaccine into the UK to protect rabbits against RVHD2.
Rae Todd, CEO of the RWAF, commented: “We're incredibly proud of Richard for all of his hard work and delighted that he's received recognition for his work. We all owe Richard a huge debt of gratitude for his commitment to the industry and for protecting all pet rabbits. So far, we estimate in the region of 70,000 rabbits have been vaccinated thanks to Richard.”
Richard graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1994 before obtaining his Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2001 and his Diploma in Zoological Medicine in 2010. He is a registered RCVS specialist in zoo and wildlife medicine - one of only 30 people in the world.
As a veterinary advisor for the RWAF, Richard dedicates his work to raising awareness and improving standards of rabbit welfare in the UK. Broadcaster Matt Baker who presented Dr Saunders with his award said:
“I am truly humbled by the hard work and dedication of individuals and organisations who are passionate about improving animal welfare and would like to congratulate both the finalists and the award winners who are making a real difference to the lives of animals both in the UK and abroad.”
Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health, added: “The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards go from strength to strength, both in terms of the number and quality of entries that we receive during the nomination process and the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of the finalists and winners who often go above and beyond the call of duty in the name of animal welfare.”
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
