AWF appoints new Chair
"This is a most significant cause of genuine importance to me and it truly is a privilege to have been appointed" - Julian Kupfer.
The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) has announced the new Chair of its board.
Julian Kupfer, a Somerset-based veterinary surgeon, has been announced as the new Chair, taking over from Chris Laurence, who has been the charity's chair since 2016.
Originally joining AWF as a trustee in 2016, Julian has served as Deputy Chair since 2019.
Julian commented on his appointment: “I am daunted and thrilled in equal measure to become Chair of AWF; this is a most significant cause of genuine importance to me and it truly is a privilege to have been appointed.
“It comes as no surprise that it is a challenging time for the charitable sector and the veterinary profession but I hope to build on all the exceptional work from the AWF team and Board and feel ready for the tasks that lie ahead.”
Bringing with him a wealth of experience, Julian graduated from the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science in 1980, and was a partner in a large veterinary hospital for 10 years.
Following this, Julian worked in senior management in the service sector industry, gained a Masters degree in medical law, and spend several years in the pharmaceutical industry. He is now an independent consultant, providing veterinary, technical and marketing advice to pharma companies in companion animal and livestock sectors.
Julian continued: “I don’t think any of us can go through veterinary practice without sometimes seriously reflecting on welfare issues we have met or perhaps realising one hasn’t given certain welfare aspects enough thought or made mistakes – I hold my hands up here and some memories still haunt me.
“An understanding of welfare is not something that can be gained from a book or a seminar but comes from continuous learning and engagement.
“That’s why I am fortunate to be part of AWF in that we will air and debate sometimes uncomfortable issues and commission relevant high-quality, evidence-based research with an egalitarian approach.
“Our activity with students is an area I particularly enjoy and believe helps encourage their thinking about welfare to the betterment of our profession and the animals under our care.”
Praising Chris for his time as Chair, Julian added: “Chris is a phenomenon and an almost impossible act to follow. I would like to take this chance to thank him for his tireless work, expertise and dedication to AWF.
“Thanks to his admirable leadership, AWF has continued to progress and is in a fantastic place. I hope we can build on this foundation to ensure the charity continues to improve the welfare of animals across the UK.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
