Former RSPCA trustee awarded MBE
"At the end of the day, it's all for the animals" – Barbara Gardner.
A former RSPCA trustee and treasurer has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) through the King’s New Year Honours.
Barbara Gardner, who also founded the Animal Interfaith Alliance (AIA), received the accolade in recognition of her services to animal welfare.
Ms Gardner originally worked as a chartered accountant, before her compassion for animals motivated her to take her skills and experience to RSPCA. She joined the charity as a volunteer in Devon, where she served as a trustee and treasurer of the RSPCA Torquay and South East Devon branch for almost 13 years.
From 2008 to 2014, Ms Gardner was a trustee of the national charity. She returned as a trustee from 2018 to 2021, when she also served as treasurer.
Speaking of her time at RSPCA, Ms Gardner said: “My highlight at the RSPCA was working with Chris Sherwood to turn around the finance and governance and of course working with all the people there who are amazing and so dedicated to animals.
“At the end of the day, it's all for the animals.”
In 2014 Ms Gardner founded the AIA, a group which brings together faith-based animal advocacy groups from around the world. It works with 12 member organisations and 20 affiliated organisations to educate, press for animal protection and promote social justice. She is also the author of The Compassionate Animal: An Interfaith Guide to the Extended Circle of Compassion.
Ms Gardner said: "I'm deeply honoured and humbled to have received an MBE for services to animal welfare. The fact that animal welfare is being recognised is amazing, as it's something which I feel has been often overlooked.”
Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said “This is such a wonderful achievement and thoroughly well deserved. Barbara has dedicated many years to animal welfare at a local, national and international level and her work as RSPCA treasurer was instrumental in helping us reform the RSPCA into a modern and forward-facing organisation.
“We congratulate Barbara on all that she has achieved for animals and the amazing work she continues to do to improve the lives of every kind.”
Image © RSPCA
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
