29 December 2017
AWF trustees provide strategic direction to the vet-led charity, ensure its financial stability, and safeguard its brand and reputation
Three veterinary surgeons working in practice, business, academia and education, amongst other areas, are the new trustees appointed to the board of the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF), the charity announced today.
Farm animal vet and Origin Group founder Matt Dobbs, animal welfare scientist and ethologist Michael Appleby OBE, and The Webinar Vet programme manager Stacey Blease have joined 11 other trustees on the AWF board. They bring with them extensive knowledge and a range of skills spanning small and large animal veterinary practice, dairy herd health, law, knowledge transfer, research and business management.
AWF is a vet-led charity that funds research, supports veterinary education, provides pet care advice and encourages debate on animal welfare issues. AWF trustees are responsible for facilitating the achievement of AWF's mission, providing strategic direction, ensuring its financial stability and compliance with legal and charitable regulations, and safeguarding the charity's brand and reputation. The charity is supported by the British Veterinary Association, the leading representative body for vets in the UK.
Commenting on his appointment, Matt Dobbs said:
“Alongside the important role today's veterinary professionals deliver, I am keen to assist future generations improve the welfare of domestic animals through education, the application of technology and helping bring research into practice. As trustee at the AWF, I will ensure the profile of animal welfare is paramount”.
Michael Appleby OBE, former Chief Scientific Adviser for World Animal Protection, said:
“After a career involved with the science and practice of animal welfare, I shall value the opportunity to contribute to the work of the Animal Welfare Foundation. I believe that communication and collaboration between veterinary professionals and other animal welfare scientists is essential for the future of animal welfare, in the context of other priorities including sustainability and development.”
Stacey Blease said:
“I am extremely keen to stimulate debate and keep up to date with research to further educate the animal industry and animal owners on welfare issues with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of animals. I feel excited and privileged in becoming a trustee for the foundation and I am looking forward to contributing to AWF's projects.”
Welcoming the three new trustees, AWF Chair of Trustees Chris Laurence said:
“I am delighted to welcome Matt, Michael and Stacey to the AWF board. As a vet-led charity, AWF is uniquely poised to offer a first-hand insight into the animal welfare challenges facing farm animals, pets and wild animals, and the new trustees bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise to suggest possible solutions to these and to help to help drive the charity's mission to improve the welfare of animals through veterinary science, education and debate.”
