RSPCA inspector receives posthumous award
Kirsty Withnall rescued animals with the RSPCA for 23 years.
Kirsty Withnall, who worked with the RSPCA for 23 years, has been posthumously honoured with a special award at the Charity Today Awards.
The late RSPCA inspector, who died in April this year, was recognised with the Animal Welfare Award for her dedication to fighting animal cruelty. The accolade was accepted by her colleagues, acting head of special operations Ian Briggs and chief inspector Will Mitchell, at a ceremony at Orton Hall Hotel & Spa in Cambridge on 16 October.
Ms Withnall, from Buckinghamshire, began her RSPCA career as an inspector, before becoming a specialist equine officer. She later joined the charity’s Special Operations Unit, where she helped to investigate the most serious and organised animal crime. Her commitment and her detailed knowledge of animal welfare legislation earned her a reputation as a formidable investigator.
She also served as a director for the National Equine Welfare Council.
Ms Withnall’s career with the RSPCA saw her take on many serious animal welfare cases. Alongside her colleagues, she rescued over 100 horses from a farm, tackled a million-pound puppy dealing gang in London, and co-ordinated an investigation into an international dog-fighting gang.
As well as making news headlines, Ms Withnall’s work has also prompted a named character in the latest novel from Peter James, Stop Them Dead. The character is inspired by her work investigating puppy farming.
Mr Mitchell, who was also Kirsty’s manager, said: “We’re so proud that Kirsty has been posthumously honoured with this award, it’s certainly well deserved.
“She leaves an incredible legacy behind after having such a positive impact on so many animals’ lives. She was an inspiring and fearless investigator and rescuer, and an avid advocate for animal welfare.
“She was also a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend - and we were incredibly privileged to have worked beside her, and learn from her compassion and kindness.”
The Charity Today Awards also saw members of Ms Withnall’s family awarded with The James E. Smith Special Recognition Award, in thanks for their dedication in ensuring her work is acknowledged publicly.
Lee Rayment, founder of the Charity Today Awards and UK Charity Week, said: "Kirsty’s passion and commitment to animal welfare were truly inspiring, and the judges felt it was important to honour her memory in a meaningful way by awarding her the Animal Welfare Award.”
Image © RSPCA
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