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.
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

Vet MP among winners of new animal advocacy award
The award is named after Gertrude Speedwell Massingham, the RSPCA's first public affairs officer.
Four winners revealed for award that celebrates work of elected officials.

The RSPCA has announced the first winners of its new Massingham Advocacy Award, which has been created to recognise elected officials who have shown dedication to advocating for animals.

The award has been given to Neil Hudson, an MP and veterinary surgeon, Carolyn Thomas, a member of the Welsh Parliament, Anna Firth, who was an MP until the last election, and Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council.

Part of the charity’s PawPrints awards, the new award was introduced this year to mark the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary and 100 years since the charity appointed its first public affairs officer.

In 2019, Dr Hudson became the first veterinary surgeon elected to the House of Commons since 1884. He has served on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee and campaigned on issues such as puppy smuggling, the import of dogs with cropped ears, and ensuring that veterinary medicines remain available across the UK.

Ms Thomas established and chairs the Senedd’s cross-party group on animal welfare. She has been involved in the RSPCA’s campaign for greater support for pet owners who rent, as well as working on issues around animal sanctuary licensing, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pet owners, and enhanced protections for wild animals.

Before she lost her seat in this year’s general election, Ms Firth sponsored the Private Members’ Bill which recently made stealing a pet dog or cat a specific criminal offence. The new law came into force on 24 August and means that stolen pets are no longer recorded in the same category as inanimate objects. Those found guilty of pet abduction could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

Under the leadership of Ms Carmichael, Sandwell Council in the West Midlands has introduced an Animal Welfare Charter, which provides principles and guidelines to create a safer and more respectful environment for animals in the area.

The PawPrints awards ceremony will be held in London later in the year.

Dr Hudson said: “From cracking down on pet smuggling to bolstering the nation's animal disease infrastructure and putting animal welfare at the heart of farming, I've had the pleasure of leading a host of campaigns from Parliament's green benches.
 
“I cannot thank the RSPCA enough for the award and would just like to reinforce that this is not a one man job and so I must pay tribute to all those who have supported me in my work.

“Fundamentally, we are a nation of animal lovers and I'm delighted to be leading the charge for our globally-renowned animal health and welfare standards.”

Image © Shutterstock

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.