Vet recognised for animal welfare efforts
Heather Bacon has received the Trevor Blackburn Award for raising standards of animal health and welfare in developing countries.
She was given the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to improving animal health and welfare through education, charity work and research.
The British Veterinary Association’s award recognises Heather’s unwavering passion to improve the welfare of animals in zoos, clinical practices, teaching hospitals and in people’s homes, and her exceptional contribution overseas.
Improving welfare
Heather qualified from the University of Bristol in 2005, having previously gained a first class degree in Conservation Medicine at Liverpool. She is one of the few RCVS Advanced Practitioners in Zoological Medicine.
Heather worked in China and Vietnam for many years as Veterinary Director of Animals Asia, a charity that works towards ending the trade in bear bile across Asia. It was this experience that sparked her deep interest in animal welfare and veterinary education.
Overseas work
Heather’s current work at the University’s Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education is focused primarily on improving the welfare of animals overseas by working with NGOs and veterinary associations.
The work is based in China, India, Vietnam and Thailand, where Heather provides education and practical skills training to vets and undergraduates.
I’m truly honoured to receive the Trevor Blackburn award. To be recognised alongside previous recipients, and the wonderful contributions that they’ve made to animal health and welfare overseas is incredible.
Related Links
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education