Richard Sinclair (L) and Dave Martin (R) from inspiring vet care
London Vet Show Sessions To Explore The Complex Realities Behind Animal Neglect And Exploitation
3 days ago 
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Two of the UK’s leading voices in animal welfare and veterinary forensics will tackle some of the most challenging issues affecting animals at this year’s London Vet Show in November. David Martin and Richard Sinclair from inspiring vet care, will lead a pair of thought-provoking, welfare-focused sessions for the veterinary profession.
Together, the sessions will explore the complex factors that can contribute to both neglect and deliberate harm, helping veterinary professionals deepen their understanding of the welfare concerns they may encounter in practice and the wider role they can play in protecting vulnerable animals.
A regular feature of the London Vet Show programme, David Martin, Group Director of Animal Welfare and Richard Sinclair, UK Welfare Lead at inspiring vet care, bring trusted expertise and practical insight to welfare lectures of real value to the profession.
The first lecture, Animal Neglect: When Caring Is Not Enough, will explore cases where harm occurs despite good intentions, examining the complex role that ignorance, financial hardship and mental health challenges can play in animal welfare cases. The session will also consider animal hoarding, including situations involving breeding operations, rescue organisations and equine welfare concerns.
The second session, Animal Exploitation: When Harm Doesn't Matter, will focus on cases where animals are deliberately used as a means to an end, including organised cruelty and exploitation. Topics will include dog fighting, badger baiting, non-accidental injury, coercive and controlling behaviour involving animals, unlicensed commercial breeding and the emerging trend of so-called "bite sports".
David Martin, Group Director of Animal Welfare at inspiring vet care, said:
"Animal welfare is rarely black and white. Behind many cases are complex social, behavioural and economic factors that can be difficult to recognise and understand.
"These sessions are designed to encourage reflection, share learning and help veterinary professionals develop a deeper understanding of the circumstances that can underpin both neglect and deliberate harm. By improving awareness and understanding, we can strengthen our collective ability to safeguard animal welfare and support those who need help."
The sessions form part of inspiring vet care's ongoing commitment to advancing animal welfare and supporting veterinary professionals in addressing some of the most complex challenges affecting companion animals and wider society.
David and Richard are widely recognised as leading voices in animal welfare and veterinary forensics. Both combine senior welfare roles with frontline clinical practice and act as experienced independent veterinary witnesses in criminal and civil cases involving animal welfare, husbandry and disease, bringing extensive real-world insight to their London Vet Show sessions.
London Vet Show takes place at ExCeL London on 19-20 November 2026. Veterinary professionals with an interest in animal welfare, safeguarding and the human factors influencing animal care are encouraged to attend these sessions, which will provide valuable insight into some of the most significant welfare issues facing animals today.
The sessions will take place at the following times:
Animal Neglect: When Caring Is Not Enough: 19 November 2026, 14:25–15:25, Gallery Suite 5.
Animal Exploitation: When Harm Doesn't Matter: 19 November 2026, 15:40–16:40, Gallery Suite 5.
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