Vets will mark the first ten years since the Animal Welfare Act’s introduction by coming together to consider its progress. The discussion, which follows the Efra Committee Inquiry on animal welfare, will take place at the annual Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum at One Great George Street, London, on 6 June.
An expert panel will look at advancements in animal welfare since 2006 while also considering the Acts’ effectiveness for both large and small animals.
The session, ‘The first decade of the Animal Welfare Act – has it worked?’ will be chaired by AWF Trustee Chris Laurence, a key member of the group that created the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Tiffany Hemming, chair of trustees for AWF, said: “AWF is very proud of the positive and practical impact it has made on the health and welfare of large and small animals and we invite all those interested in improving animal welfare to be part of the debate this year. I believe that education and debate is the starting point for change, and this year we have a particularly impressive group of speakers hailing from veterinary practice, animal welfare organisations, universities, government and industry.”
Sean Wensley, president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “This is an exceptional conference that examines some of the most critically important issues for animal welfare. BVA’s members have identified promoting animal welfare as the profession’s top priority so I would encourage all vets to attend, hear from the experts and be part of these vital discussions.”
On the evening of June 6, AWF and BVA are jointly hosting a reception at the House of Commons offering delegates the opportunity to continue discussing the Forum’s issues with parliamentarians.
Tickets for the AWF Discussion Forum are available at www.bva-awf.org.uk/events/2016/6/6/2016-discussion-forum
