Lord Soulsby wins animal welfare award

3 April 2008

The annual J A Wight memorial award, sponsored by The Blue Cross animal charity, has this year been presented to Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of companion animal welfare.

The J A Wight award is presented yearly by The Blue Cross in memory of Alf Wight, veterinarian and author of the much-loved James Herriot novels, at the yearly BSAVA Congress. The Wight family are longstanding supporters of the charity.

Blue Cross chief executive, Kim Hamilton said: “The J A Wight award allows us to recognise the work of those who dedicate themselves to improving animal welfare. We are very happy to present this award to Lord Soulsby, for his unerring commitment to promoting the interests of companion animals, which is right at the heart of the work of The Blue Cross.”

Lord Soulsby has worked tirelessly for the welfare of animals, notably in recent years in his work as Chairman of the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC). The CAWC was set up in 1999 to conduct independent studies into the welfare, care and treatment of companion animals.  They have made significant advances in furthering the understanding of companion animals through studies such as the role of pets in society, and the major concerns associated with the breeding of pedigree dogs. Lord Soulsby is a Past President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and of the Royal Society of Medicine and currently is President of the Royal Society of Public Health.

On receiving the award, Lord Soulsby said: “I am especially honoured to be selected for this award not only because I had the pleasure of meeting J A Wight himself, but also because his novels of the life of a Yorkshire veterinary surgeon depicted an era of veterinary medicine so familiar to me when I spent a short time in farm practice in the Lake District. I am proud of the work of CAWC and believe this award is as much recognition of CAWC's activities as of my own contribution to companion animal welfare.”

The award was presented to Lord Soulsby by Dr Rosie Page in memory of her father Alf Wight at the BSAVA conference yesterday.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Photos of the awards ceremony are available on request.

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.

For more information please visit: www.bluecross.org.uk

Media contact- 020 79324060 or press@bluecross.org.uk