RCVS Saddened By Loss Of Past President

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has been saddened to hear that Mr Don Haxby CBE HonFRCVS, its President in 1983-4, has died. Mr Haxby, who was in his late 70s, had been involved in veterinary politics at all levels for over 30 years. He sat on RCVS Council for 28 years and was elected President of the British Veterinary Association in 1977. His interests included animal welfare and, as a member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council for 10 years, he was involved in helping to improve the welfare of animals at religious slaughter, sometimes at a risk to his own personal safety. During his term as scientific adviser to the Agriculture Select Committee he was known for offering sound advice on issues such as animal transport and salmonellosis in poultry, and built strong bonds of trust between the veterinary profession and government. As Chairman of the Inter-Professional Group from 1989-93, Mr Haxby was also involved with the development of a strategy to protect the rights of the UK professions to maintain self-regulation. Mr Haxby was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the RCVS in 2003 and will be fondly remembered by colleagues for his good humour, gregarious style and irrepressible approach to life. "Don was unique and, in many respects, appeared indestructible. There is no doubt that he shaped many important aspects of professional life, but in such a far-sighted and good-humoured fashion that the veterinary profession was happy to follow his lead. "The profession will miss him immensely and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time," said President Professor Sheila Crispin.

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