Initiatives announced to improve animal welfare
WSAVA has partnered up with World Animal Protection to develop an action plan.
A range of initiatives to improve animal welfare on a global level have been announced at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA) congress.
Speaking at WSAVA's 39th World Congress, Dr Shane Ryan, who is chair of the organisation's animal welfare and wellness committee (AWWC), said:
"Promoting a high standard of animal welfare and wellness is one of the most significant and satisfying contributions veterinary surgeons can accomplish on a daily basis, affecting both their patients and their clients."
New initiatives unveiled by the AWWC include:
- A partnership with global charity World Animal Protection, to develop an annual welfare action plan.
- An annual travel grant of up to $5,000 for veterinary surgeons or post-graduate veterinary students. The grant will allow those wishing to pursue a career in animal welfare the chance to travel to a project that will give them suitable experience.
- An extension of the WSAVA's global outreach programme, which aims to share the knowledge and experience of WSAVA members with veterinary surgeons around the world. After running for the first time at World Congress in Cape Town, the programme will be extended to future congresses, beginning with the next event taking place in Bangkok in May 2015. The project also gives veterinary surgeons the chance to take part in volunteer placements for animal welfare organisations.
- The establishment of "Friends of Animal Welfare" - a small group of veterinary surgeons around the world who will make an annual pledge to a fund for welfare-related initiatives.
Dr Ryan added: "By harnessing the power of our global veterinary community, the WSAVA aims to enhance the well-being of animals around the world and the initiatives we are announcing are an important step along the way."
Image courtesy of WSAVA
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