Pictured: the recipients of the recent awards.

The Awards were given for outstanding contributions to the profession.  

Three veterinary surgeons were celebrated at the BVA's virtual Officers Handover and Awards event on 23 September 2021.

The Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal

The BVA's highest scientific honour, the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal, awarded each year to a BVA member whose work supports the advancement of veterinary science, was given to Professor Mike Herrtage. 

Professor Herrtage has been presented with the award for his outstanding contributions to clinical teaching and research, veterinary specialisation, and dog health and welfare. 

Professor Herrtage, on hearing of his award, commented: “It is a tremendous honour, but a very humbling experience, to be recognised by one’s peers for doing work that has always given me so much pleasure. 

“I would like to thank BVA and the selection committee for considering me worthy of this prestigious award. It is particularly awe-inspiring to read the list of previous recipients of this award on the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup.”

Outgoing BVA president James Russell said: “Mike’s work has improved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats worldwide and BVA has been extremely fortunate to have benefitted from his expertise throughout his longstanding involvement with the Canine Health Schemes.

“It is hard to do justice to Mike’s amazing contributions to the veterinary profession and to the advancement of knowledge and education throughout a distinguished career so enthusiastically dedicated to improving canine health and welfare.”

The Chiron Award

The Chiron Award, an award which acknowledges lifetime achievement in the profession, was awarded to Guildford-based veterinary surgeon Ed Varley in celebration of his long career and his championing of animal welfare and ethics.

Among Ed's many significant achievements, notable is the successful welfare case that Ed prepared, for banning the use of crates for farming veal calves in the UK, and the advice he gave ministers on banning fur farming.

Commenting on his Award, Ed said: “I’m delighted to be receiving the Chiron Award in recognition of my long career spanning many and various areas of animal welfare. A project of which I’m particularly proud looked at the relationship between welfare and stocking density in broiler chickens. 

“Animal welfare needs tackling across the spectrum of nations and individuals, seeking agreement between nations including the European Union, the Council of Europe and the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health).”

Outgoing BVA president James Russell commented: “Ed’s expertise and leadership, and his belief in the value of animals, in animal sentience and the importance of human-animal interaction, have contributed directly to welfare improvements for countless farm animals.

“His achievements truly demonstrate the impact of veterinary advocacy for animal welfare in bringing about real change. I am thrilled that he is the recipient of this year’s Chiron Award.”


The Bleby Cup

The Bleby Cup, awarded in recognition of exceptional contribution to BVA Council, was presented to Richard Walters.

Graduating from Bristol Veterinary School in 2010, Richard now works as a general practitioner at South Moor Vets, where he has a special focus on farm animal work, including TB testing, emergency care, and herd health planning.

Richard said: “It is a great honour to be awarded the Bleby Cup. I have enjoyed representing the views of my fellow vets in the South West, including those of Western Counties and Cornish Veterinary Associations.

“This award shows the value that BVA places in the views of everyday general practitioners like myself.”

James Russell commented on the Award: “Richard has made an outstanding contribution to BVA Council. Apart from many invaluable contributions to Council meetings, he has also been closely involved in the development of some key BVA policy positions, most notably our updated bovine TB position.

“During the three years since Richard has been a Council representative, he has demonstrated his passion for ensuring that frontline veterinary experience is well represented, continually striving to engage members in the region and encouraging continual improvement to the way in which BVA supports and develops regional representatives.”

Images (C) BVA