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Animal charity marks 35 years with thought-provoking debates
Chair of trustees Chris Laurence addressed delegates at the AWF Discussion Forum in London.

Event brings together experts from across the profession 

The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) has marked 35 years with a day of thought-provoking debates and inspiring discussions.

More than 200 delegates from across the veterinary, academic and animal welfare sectors met in London on 12 June to exchange views on some of the most pressing issues affecting animal welfare.  Topics included the role of insurance in impacting pets’ quality of life, human behaviour change to improve animal welfare and pre-purchase consultations for prospective pet owners.

Addressing the audience, AWF Chair of Trustees Chris Laurence said: “What unites all of us here at the conference is our concern for animal welfare. Through the Discussion Forum, we debate difficult issues and explore new ways in which the veterinary profession might use its position and influence for a broader public understanding of animal welfare.

“The human-animal relationship is changing, bringing new dynamics to animal welfare and challenging the way the veterinary profession uses the broad range of skills of modern vets and nurses. For vets to become leaders in preventative care means learning new skills and balancing their technical ability with the welfare of their patients.”

During the event, BVA president John Fishwick updated the audience on the organisation’s recent campaign successes on Brexit-related animal welfare issues.

“With less than a year to go before Brexit, it is important that we continue to raise awareness around the vital role the veterinary profession plays in upholding animal welfare and to ensure that vets’ voices are heard in new legislation introduced in this area,” he said. “I was very pleased to have the opportunity to share BVA’s ongoing work at this exceptional conference.”

The event was followed by a joint BVA and AWF reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Neil Parish MP.

Image (C) AWF

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com