|
 |
|
2007 was another good year for the Foundation. The AWF Discussion Forum that we held in May in London was immensely successful, attracting over 120 delegates to debate issues including the importance of animal welfare to society, the veterinary profession and in veterinary education, the welfare issues of organic farming and the welfare of racing greyhounds. The outcomes of this event are now being taken forward in positive initiatives designed to address the specific issues raised.
At the House of Commons reception held on the evening of the Forum I was pleased to announce the availability of funds under the Norman Hayward Fund, which are intended for research into the disease and welfare of cattle, sheep and horses. The Foundation invited proposals that will have a practical impact on the welfare of these animals and trustees are delighted by the high level of interest that they have received. The successful applicants will be announced at the same reception in May 2008. |
Trustees were thrilled to receive confirmation recently from the Universities of Bristol, Glasgow and Liverpool that they will continue the animal welfare lectureships they have both benefitted from beyond the seed funding provided by the BVA AWF. The trustees are satisfied that this initiative, in strengthening welfare teaching in veterinary schools, will continue to have positive repercussions and demonstrates the commitment of the Foundation to improve animal welfare through education.
Continuing with our aim to improve animal welfare through education, the Foundation produces a variety of educational leaflets and posters aimed at veterinary surgeons, nurses, students and members of the general public. The end of 2007 saw the production of the 2nd Edition of the Free Range Poultry diseases poster and a new leaflet on Ferret Care produced in conjunction with the Ferret Education and Research Trust. These leaflets are being distributed to veterinary practices and other organisations as a ready source of information about the husbandry and health management requirements of these species in the interests of enhanced welfare. The trustees also look forward to the launch of our on-line small animal handling tutorial which will be made available in spring 2008.
My fellow trustees and I welcomed Andrea Nolan, Pete Goddard and Tiffany Cottrell to the board in November and we have been examining the long term future of the Foundation particularly with regards to fundraising and marketing strategies. This promises to be an exciting time for the trustees and we look forward to a period of review and change for the Foundation which will take place in the coming year.
As always, we are also indebted to our supporters among the veterinary profession and members of the general public upon whose generosity we depend.
Carl Padgett
Chairman of the Trustees
|
