New veterinary student award launched

The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition have launched an exciting new Veterinary Student Award at the Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) Congress.

The award is a bursary of £1000, sponsored by Hill’sÒ Pet Nutrition, towards funding study and research into an area of veterinary practice that interests the winning student. It will be presented to the student who submits the paper that most successfully assesses and summarises work or study undertaken across the globe that builds on the benefits of the human companion animal bond in society.

Steve Goody, director of companion animal welfare at The Blue Cross, said: “The promotion of the human companion animal bond is central to the aims of both The Blue Cross and Hill’s and has an obvious link with the veterinary profession. We look forward to rewarding those who work hard to promote it.”

The theme for the AVS conference was animal welfare and Elizabeth Ormerod, chairman of the Society for Companion Animal Studies gave a talk on the benefits of the human companion animal bond to around 200 student delegates prior to the launch of the award by Steve Goody and Libby Sheridan, Hill’s veterinary affairs manager.

The first winner will be announced in January 2007, and the award will be presented annually thereafter. Papers should be submitted, in the form of an essay not longer than 1500 words, either through Association of Veterinary Students representatives or directly to The Blue Cross or Hills by 30 September 2006. For details of where to send submissions visit www.bluecross.org.uk or www.HillsVet.co.uk/GetToKnow 

Media contact: Sam Cordwell
Direct line: 020 7932 4063
Mobile: 07860 519716

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.