Blue Cross presents J A Wight award to Dr Irene Rochlitz

The JA Wight Memorial Award, sponsored by The Blue Cross, has been awarded to Dr Irene Rochlitz for her work improving the quality of life for companion animals.

Blue Cross president, Dr Alastair Porter, will present the award at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association congress later today.

Irene is an independent veterinary consultant in feline welfare and a member of the Animal Welfare and Human-animal Interactions Group at the University of Cambridge. She specialises in companion animal behaviour, the assessment of quality of life in companion animals, animal ethics and issues affecting the welfare of domestic cats.

Director of marketing at The Blue Cross, Tony Samuel, said: “Irene has made a serious contribution towards promoting the mutual benefit to animals and humans of companion animal ownership, which is one of the guiding principles of The Blue Cross. We are delighted that the BSAVA has chosen her as this year's recipient of the JA Wight Award for services to animal welfare.”

Irene has an MSc in Veterinary Oncology and a PhD in Feline Welfare. She recently edited and co-authored the book The Welfare of Cats.

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Notes to editors

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.