Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th March 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Winners announced for Sir Colin Spedding Award
The Princess Royal has recognised the work of Amanda Stoddart-West with the NEF award.
Joint winners received the NEF award.

The Sir Colin Spedding Award has been given to joint winners, during a ceremony held at the National Equine Forum (NEF) on 7 March.

This year’s award recognises two recipients, Kirsty Withnall and Amanda Stoddart-West, for their work on equine wellbeing.

Ms Withnall is a case officer for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Starting as an equine officer 23 years ago, Ms Withnall then became a case officer in the charity’s Special Operations Unit (SOU).

She gives uniformed response for the SOU, and conducts specialist criminal investigations into animal cruelty. This has included large-scale operations, involving cooperation across numerous agencies.

Ms Withnall said: "I am honoured and absolutely delighted to receive this extremely prestigious award.

“Through my 23 years working for the RSPCA, I know first-hand how rewarding but also extremely challenging the role can be, so it truly means a great deal to have my work recognised in this way.”

Sharing the award is Amanda Stoddart-West, a livestock and entries coordinator for the Great Yorkshire Show. She has worked on improving equine wellbeing at the show, including initiatives to improve rider to horse weight ratios and warm-up rules.

Ms Stoddart-West’s principles have since been widely adopted across other shows.

She said: “To be honest, I was totally shocked to be told that I had been nominated for the Sir Colin Spedding Award, and incredibly honoured to be a joint winner of such a revered honour.

“There are great efforts going into ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare nationally, and this award is a reflection of all of those who are doing such excellent work in this area.”

Ms Withnall and Ms Stoddart-West were presented with their award by the Princess Royal, who is president of NEF.

The Princess Royal also highly commended Award finalist Anne Dicker, a managing partner of the Catherston Stud. Ms Dicker provides advancing equine groom apprenticeships, as well as training fire responders, developing digital equine ID policy and furthering the principles of the Happy Equine Athlete.

Image © NEF

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.