Ceva Animal Welfare Awards 2014 Finalists Shortlist

Ceva judging panel hard at workb After receiving hundreds of entries, Ceva has announced the shortlist for its annual Animal Welfare Awards which this year included four new categories. The coveted Animal Welfare Awards, now in their third year, recognise volunteers, charity workers and veterinary professionals who have gone the extra mile in improving animal welfare around the world. Taking place on Wednesday 2nd April 2014, the awards are being judged by a panel of respected industry professionals including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc and Claire Bessant of International Cat Care. Ceva’s 2014’s Awards feature several new categories, which include the Farm Animal Welfare Award, Charity Team of the Year Award and the International Cat Care Welfare Award. Media supporters for this year are the Veterinary Times, VNTimes, Your Dog and Your Cat magazines. Whilst charitable organisations PDSA, Blue Cross, NADIS and International Cat Care also lent their support to Ceva in sponsoring both new and existing categories. After much deliberation by the panel the shortlist has been revealed: Christopher Laurence Vet of the Year Award - in association with the Veterinary Times

• Suina Ann Reid - Veterinary Surgeon, The Veterinary Health Centre, Lytham St Annes
• Marc Abraham - founder of Pup Aid
• Tracey Ann Manning – Veterinary Surgeon, Hook Vet Centre, Hampshire

Farm Animal Welfare Award – in association with Nadis

• Gareth Wyn Jones – Independent Farmer, Llanfairfechan, Wales
• Molly McKay – Norfolk Farm Vets Ltd, Grimston, Norfolk
• Simon Haley – Agricultural Consultant, Reading

Charity Professional of the Year – in association with PDSA

• Luke Gamble – Worldwide Veterinary Service
• Alison Ling – Hope Rescue
• Anna Soillet – The Gambia Horse & Donkey Trust

Charity Team of the Year – in association with Your Cat and Your Dog magazine

• The Cat Volunteers - National Animal Welfare Trust
• Hope Rescue
• Community Engagement Team – Wood Green

VN Times Welfare Nurse of the Year Awards

• Selena Byrne – Vets 4 Pets (Leigh-on-Sea)
• Mel Boughton – Vets 4 Pets (Banbury)
• Jodie Foster – Haygate Veterinary Centre (Muxton)

International Cat Care Welfare Award

• Agnes Dufau – Plataforma Gatera
• Kate Shervell – Worldwide Veterinary Service
• Silvana Valentino-Locke – Romney House Cat Rescue

Speaking at the judging day in Bath, awards judge Christopher Laurence, said: “I think the quality of entries in general goes up every year and it is wonderful to see more people nominated across all the categories, especially the new categories for 2014. Of course, it does make our job as judges all the more difficult, although we are a pretty unanimous bunch and in general we all agree pretty well. Although it has been hard work deciding amongst the many exceptional entries we have received, today has been a most productive and enjoyable day one.” Ceva Managing Director, Alan Doyle comments: “The judging panel and I were overwhelmed by the quality of the entries we received this year. It’s truly wonderful to read so many stories about honourable people dedicating their time to improve the welfare of animals here and across the globe. The judges had a tough time whittling down the short list as there were so many well-deserved entries, however we are pleased with the final result. I don’t envy their next job in choosing the overall winners!” Claire Bessant CEO of International Cat Care adds: “I began my charity career more than 20 years ago and I only wish awards like these one had existed then as the wonderful work that these people do needs celebrating. Ceva’s Animal Welfare Awards provide a glimpse into the lengths that people around the country go to improve animal welfare. The stories were both tear jerking and inspiring - each and every one deserves to be a winner. We look forward to revealing the award winners finalists at the BSAVA conference.” Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony held in Birmingham, during the same week as the BSAVA congress on 2nd April 2014. For information on tickets and availability, please email [email protected] or call 01494 781510.

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