Mr Gordon graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and worked in mixed practice in North Antrim before moving to Ballynure in 1981.

Vet pledges to be a “strong voice for vets” in Northern Ireland 

Ballynure-based vet Alan Gordon has been made president of the BVA’s Northern Ireland Branch, replacing Jean Wales who sadly passed away last year.

Mr Gordon, who has worked in mixed practice for nearly 40 years, was elected president at the branch AGM in County Antrim on Thursday (15 February).

BVA president John Fishwick said he was “delighted” to welcome him as the new branch president.

“The work of BVA’s Branches is invaluable in representing the veterinary profession right across the UK, and many of the country’s animal health and welfare successes could not have been achieved without veterinary input and involvement. As we head towards Brexit, it is vital that the veterinary voice is heard on border - and other issues that are unique to Northern Ireland within the UK.”

BVA Northern Ireland Branch contributes local knowledge and expertise to the BVA’s wider lobbying and representative activities. It has recently worked on a range of issues, including responding to consultations on the challenges Brexit poses to the veterinary profession and food sector in Northern Ireland.

Mr Fishwick also paid tribute to former president Jean Wales, who made “an extremely valuable contribution to the BVA Northern Ireland Branch during her sadly brief time as president”. She passed away in post in June 2017.

Mr Gordon graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and worked in mixed practice in North Antrim before moving to Ballynure in 1981. He joined the Clare Vet Group, where he was a partner and director until 2016 and continues to be a consultant.

He has a special interest in small animal dentistry and dairy cattle fertility and has been involved in mentoring new assistants and school pupils who are keen to pursue a veterinary education. He also forges strong relationships with the local community through talks given to those in the small animal and farm sectors.  

Commenting on his election, he said: “I am honoured to be elected as president of BVA Northern Ireland Branch and look forward to give back to the profession that has supported me for so long.

“I believe my extensive and varied clinical experience and previous veterinary representative roles stand me in good stead to whole-heartedly champion the issues that matter most to the veterinary profession in Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with the BVA Branch team and veterinary colleagues throughout Northern Ireland to provide a strong voice for vets.”

Image courtesy of BVA