BVA Animal Welfare Foundation Annual review 2008
Document Sample
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation
Annual review 2008
Improving the welfare of animals through
veterinary science, education and debate
Registered Charity 287118
annual review 2008
Contents
IntroductIon
1 Chairman’s message
2–3 Our mission
4–5 Our trustees
VeterInary ScIence
6 Norman Hayward Fund
Educational tools for veterinary students
7 Welfare of garden birds
Garden Bird Health initiative
educatIon
8–9 Welfare teaching
BVA AWF lectureships
Animal Welfare Forum for veterinary students
10–13 Disseminating information
Educational resources
debate
14 A forum for debate
Discussion Forum 2008
15 At Westminster
House of Commons reception
16 Colston Symposium
Animal Welfare and the Interface with Disease:
An International Symposium
17 Effecting change
Influencing BVA policy
FInanceS and accountS
18 Income and expenditure
deVelopIng the FoundatIon
19 Looking to the future
Way Forward Initiative
20–21 Please support our work
British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation
7 Mansfield Street
london w1G 9nQ
Telephone: 020 7908 6375
Fax: 020 7908 6349
email: bva-awf@bva.co.uk
web: bva-awf.org.uk
registered Charity 287118
inTrODuCTiOn
Chairman’s message
carl padgett
BVMS CertCHP MRCVS
Chairman of Trustees
2008 marked the beginning of a particularly interesting time for the Bva animal
welfare Foundation (Bva awF). we welcomed two new trustees, emma Milne
‘2009 will
and David Harwood, in november and together we have been working on
several exciting new initiatives.
undoubtedly be a
we agreed to support a unique project, titled Maximising Value of Extra-
year for development
Mural Study Placements on Cattle, Sheep and Horse Units, under the norman
Hayward Fund, which is intended for research into the diseases and welfare of
and change, and we
sheep, cattle and horses. The project aims to develop and validate welfare and
health planning assessment tools for cattle, sheep and horses for students on
look forward to both
their extra-mural study placements. it will also develop teaching methods to
enhance the ability of veterinary students to apply formal, scientifically valid,
the challenges and
practical welfare assessment in the field and enable them to ethically appraise
what they see and do. we are confident that the proposal will have a positive
achievements ahead.‘
and lasting impact both on the undergraduate curriculum of all seven uK vet
schools and on the welfare of these animals.
The topic Designer animals or breeding for welfare? was debated at the Bva
awF Discussion Forum 2008. This issue was included as a result of the ongoing
concerns within the profession about genetically inherited problems within
the pedigree dog population and was particularly timely, in light of activity
surrounding the BBC’s broadcast after the Forum on the same issue.
Following the Forum, trustees agreed that the Bva awF was in an ideal position
to host a meeting with the aim of establishing how and where stakeholders could
collaborate in developing a series of approaches designed to have an immediate
impact on the welfare of dogs. representatives from the Blue Cross, Companion
animal welfare Council, Defra, Dogs Trust, Kennel Club, PDSa, royal College of
veterinary Surgeons, rSPCa and the universities Federation for animal welfare
were subsequently invited to a meeting early in 2009.
2008 also saw our market research exercise get underway and we hope the
results will lay out a clear and positive direction for the future of our charity.
The interim report, presented in november, showed that while the profile
of the charity is quite low, vets and veterinary nurses were positive about its
achievements and aims.
2009 will undoubtedly be a year for development and change, and we look
forward to both the challenges and achievements ahead. Of course, none of these
will be possible without the continued support from veterinary practitioners and
the general public, for which we are indebted.
Thank you.
Carl Padgett
Chairman of Trustees
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 1
inTrODuCTiOn
Our mission
‘
To improve the welfare of animals through
veterinary science, education and debate
BVA AWF mission stAtement
inTrODuCTiOn
Our trustees
Veterinary surgeons are involved in all aspects of animal care and
are therefore ideally placed to identify animal welfare problems and
assist in finding solutions to them. The fact that all of the trustees
are qualified veterinary surgeons makes the BVA AWF unique.
nick blayney
Simon adams BVSc MRCVS
BSc BVMS MRCVS Bva Past-President
nick qualified from liverpool in 1980 and has been in practice ever
Since graduating in 1985 Simon’s key interests have been wildlife
since. He spent a decade doing farm and equine work before moving
and zoo medicine. He has worked with the Zoological Society
to warwickshire where he is now principal of a five-person practice.
of london and other international organisations to improve the
nick has been involved with the Bva for nearly 20 years, from being a
welfare of both wild and captive zoo species. He also works in the
member of the Midland Counties veterinary association, Secretary of
fields of racing greyhound and equine welfare and is campaigning
the warwickshire veterinary Club and Honorary Secretary of the Society
for a scientific, research-led and ‘evolving’ welfare policy for the
of Practising veterinary Surgeons (SPvS). nick was Chairman of the
veterinary profession in the future.
Bva’s Members’ Services Group until October 2006 when he stepped
down to become Bva President-elect and then President in 2007.
tiffany cottrell
david chennells BVMS MSc PhD DACVPM
VetMB MA CertPM MRCVS CertWEL MRCVS RAVC
Following his graduation in 1976 David has spent much of his after graduating, Tiffany completed a thesis MSc and PhD in
career in general and pig practice, except for a three-year period in epidemiology at the university of Guelph (Canada). She joined the
the State veterinary Service. He is the senior partner of a seven-vet Territorial army in 1997 and was deployed as a veterinary Officer
mixed practice and is a Past-President of the Pig veterinary Society. to Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina during 2000–2001. She now
He also teaches and is involved with various studies and several pig works for the Defence intelligence Staff/Defence Medical Services
industry advisory committees. He lives on and runs a sheep and Department in whitehall. Her particular interests are: working
arable farm in Buckinghamshire. animals; welfare issues due to ignorance; and educational issues
associated with the improvement of animal welfare.
pete goddard david harwood
BVetMed PhD MRCVS BVetMed MRCVS
Pete heads the Macaulay institute’s ecology Group. He has a David qualified from the royal veterinary College in 1974, and
particular interest in animal welfare, focusing on investigating worked in farm animal practice until 1983. He now works at
behavioural and physiological correlates of welfare in ruminants the veterinary laboratories agency (vla). in addition to routine
under extensive systems of management. He was a member diagnostic work, he manages the vla animal welfare sub-
of the international programme review panel of the Spanish programme, and has a particular interest in farm animal welfare
national research Council in 2005 and recently contributed to the surveillance and veterinary forensic work. He is a member of the
development and delivery of a new international advanced course vla Cattle Group and Small ruminant Group (as goat advisor).
on animal welfare under the auspices of the international Centre He was President of the British Cattle veterinary association in
for advanced Mediterranean agronomic Studies. 2002–2003 and is honorary vet for the British Goat Society. He
lectures at most uK vet schools on goat health and welfare, and
edits the Goat Veterinary Society Journal.
4 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
inTrODuCTiOn
Our trustees
emma Milne andrea nolan
BVSc MRCVS MVB PhD MRCVS
emma qualified from Bristol in 1996. She then spent a year doing andrea is vice-Principal of the university of Glasgow. She has
mixed work, the farm side mostly comprising beef and sheep contributed to the development of education in the field of
work with a small amount of equine, followed by six years in small veterinary medicine, holding european diplomas in veterinary
animal practices. She now works for Minster veterinary Practice in Pharmacology and Toxicology and veterinary anaesthesia. Over
York. She has a strong interest in animal welfare in all its forms and the last 20 years she has contributed regularly to continuing
has been particularly involved with the issue of tail-docking. Her professional development. Her particular area of interest is in animal
book The Truth about Cats and Dogs was published in 2007 and pain, its recognition and treatment. andrea is an honorary life
tackles her other main passion — the detrimental effect of pedigree member of the association for veterinary Teaching and research
breeding on the health of dogs and cats. work and a fellow of the royal Society of edinburgh.
carl padgett nicky paull
BVMS CertCHP MRCVS BVSc MRCVS
Chairman of Trustees Bva President
Carl qualified in 1989 and spent six years in mixed practice in nicky qualified from liverpool in 1979 joining a three-vet mixed
worcester and the Cotswolds before returning to his native practice in Cornwall with an 80 per cent farm work load. She
lancaster where he is now a partner in a 14-vet mixed practice. His purchased the practice in 1988 and it has now grown to a partnership
main interests are farm animal practice and proactive approaches of three employing eight veterinary associates and 25 support staff.
to animal health and welfare, promoting strategic approaches to nicky has been President of the Cornwall veterinary association as
preventative medicine on farms. Carl is also actively involved in well as Treasurer and President of SPvS, representing the Society on
veterinary education and politics. He was made the Bva awF‘s Bva Council for four years. She was a member of the Bva’s Members’
Chairman of Trustees in 2006. Services Group for three years and joined its veterinary Policy Group
(vPG) in 2005. nicky became Bva President in September 2008.
pete Southgate andrew trawford
BVetMed MSc MRCVS BVSc MSc MRCVS CVMA
Pete graduated in 1979 and, after a number of years in practice, andrew has been working with charities in different countries
took an MSc in aquatic veterinary studies at Stirling university, throughout his career. He is now director of veterinary services
where he stayed as a diagnostic fish pathologist for six years. at the Donkey Sanctuary. after graduating in 1969 he went into
He then became a freelance consultant in fish diseases to the general practice before working in africa, Canada, the Caribbean,
developing aquaculture industry. Since 1997 he has been a the Middle east and Malaysia for British Government overseas
partner in the Fish vet Group and he has a particular interest in aid projects. He still travels extensively to develop extension
fish welfare. programmes for the veterinary health and welfare of donkeys.
Sean Wensley
BVSc MSc MRCVS
Sean qualified in 2003, then obtained a Masters degree in applied
animal behaviour and animal welfare in 2004. He spent three
years working in both companion animal and exotics veterinary
practices, then, in 2008, became Senior veterinary Surgeon for
Communication and education at the PDSa. Sean has represented
the veterinary profession in europe in seeking to end the trade of
wild-caught birds into the eu, and has a keen interest in promoting
a solid science-based approach to animal welfare among the
veterinary profession.
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 5
veTerinarY SCienCe
Norman Hayward Fund
The principal aim of the BVA AWF is to apply the knowledge,
skill and compassion of our trustees, in an effective way
by funding a variety of projects and activities.
Teaching methods will be developed to enhance
students’ ability to assess welfare in the field
Educational tools for veterinary students
in 2008, our primary focus was to seek suitable proposals for are appropriate for students on their extra-mural study (eMS)
funding under the restricted norman Hayward Fund. as desired by placements, during which students undertake practical work,
the late norman Hayward, this generous legacy is ring-fenced for and are designed to improve engagement and learning. Carefully
research into the diseases and welfare of sheep, cattle and horses. considered teaching methods will also be developed to enhance
the ability of veterinary students to apply formal, scientifically
we were therefore delighted to have the opportunity to select valid, practical welfare assessment in the field and enable them to
the unique and exciting project titled Maximising Value of Extra- ethically appraise what they see and do.
Mural Study Placements on Cattle, Sheep and Horse Units
for funding. we are pleased to be associated with this project and are
confident that the proposal will have a positive and lasting impact
This proposal aims to develop and validate welfare and health both on the undergraduate curriculum of all seven uK vet schools
planning assessment tools for cattle, sheep and horses that and on the welfare of these animals.
‘We are delighted that BVA AWF are supporting
the development of novel teaching approaches
to EMS placements. Direct exposure to the future funding requests ▼
cattle, sheep and horses during EMS can
have profound effects on both a student’s
the Foundation is pleased to accept future
future career and attitudes towards animal
funding requests under the restricted norman
care. We are keen to maximise the benefits
hayward Fund, gp West Fund (feline research)
of EMS by providing welfare, health
and edward branson Fish Fund on a rolling, three
planning and ethical analysis tools to further
times yearly, basis.
promote the educational experience.’
More information on each of these restricted
funds, along with details on how to apply, can be
Dr DAViD mAin AnD Dr Dorothy mcKeegAn
found on the bVa aWF’s website bva-awf.org.uk
BVA AWF Lecturers
6 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
veTerinarY SCienCe
Welfare of garden birds
The BVA AWF-funded study has made a positive
impact on the welfare of garden birds
Garden Bird Health initiative
This year marked the final year of Bva awF funding for the Garden first diagnosed in British finches in 2005 and has caused epidemic
Bird Health initiative (GBHi), which was set up in 2005, and we are mortality during the summer months of 2006 and 2007. The GBHi
delighted by the achievements of the GBHi team. has logged hundreds of reports from the public to track the spread
of the disease and provided advice on control measures to those
The first year of study, into the causes of garden bird mortality experiencing outbreaks in their garden.
associated with feeding stations in gardens, led to the publication
of best practice guidelines for the general public on feeding garden while Bva awF funding has now
birds. During year two, the Bva awF continued to distribute copies ceased, this project is ongoing and we
of the GBHi leaflet, along with other organisations involved in the are confident that the outcomes will
project, and fact sheets on salmonellosis and other diseases were continue to have a positive impact on
also made available to the general public. the welfare of garden birds.
in year three, the GBHi team continued to investigate the impact For copies of the GBHi guidelines and accompanying literature
of trichomonosis on British garden birds. This parasitic disease was associated with this project please visit ufaw.org.uk/gbhi.php
‘Many thanks to BVA AWF for its generous
support of this important study which
has helped to educate and inform the
public about measures to improve the
welfare of British garden birds.’
BecKi LAWson, WiLDLiFe VeterinAriAn AnD
nAtionAL co-orDinAtor oF the gBhi
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 7
eDuCaTiOn
Welfare teaching
The charity continued its commitment to the improvement of
animal welfare through educational initiatives during 2008.
© lisa Klumpp iStockphoto.com
The BVA AWF lectureships will continue to have
positive repercussions on animal welfare
BVA AWF lectureships
Funding for the four-year Bva awF lectureship project at
veterinary schools in Bristol, Glasgow and liverpool came to an
end in 2008.
we were therefore delighted to receive assurances from all three
universities that the Bva awF lectureships would continue, in
perpetuity, beyond the seed funding provided by the Foundation. future plans ▼
in strengthening welfare teaching in uK vet schools, the trustees
are confident that these posts will continue to have positive
the bVa aWF lecturers will continue to work
repercussions on animal welfare.
on collaborative projects to bring welfare
teaching in universities and the work of the
Foundation to prominence through initiatives
such as the norman hayward-funded study:
Maximising Value of Extra-Mural Study
Placements on Cattle, Sheep and Horse Units.
8 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
eDuCaTiOn
Welfare teaching
This year’s forum was the most successful yet — all
those attending rated it as excellent
Animal Welfare Forum for veterinary students
Building on the success of previous years, an unprecedented 100 research animal sector, the students are encouraged to consider
per cent of final-year students attending this year’s Bva awF the differing viewpoints of stakeholders in a variety of real-life
welfare Forum rated the event as ‘excellent’ in an anonymous scenarios, together with relevant legal frameworks, their own
feedback questionnaire. ethical position and the animal welfare science underpinning
their considerations of the animals’ quality of life. Following
The annual Forum, which is held in lancaster before the start discussions of the scenarios in small groups comprising students
of the Your First Job: Opportunities and Challenges seminar from different vet schools, the participants then present their
organised by the Bva, SPvS, British Small animal veterinary conclusions as role-plays to the rest of the group — frequently to
assocation and the royal College of veterinary Surgeons (rCvS) great comic effect!
Trust, allows students to consider ethical dilemmas that they
are likely to face when working in different types of veterinary The welfare Forum is just one way in which the Bva awF
practice. with the input of tutors from the Bva awF, Dogs contributes to the improvement of animal welfare through
Trust, PDSa, private practice, government and a vet from the education and debate.
future plans ▼
‘I thought the Forum was an excellent way to get us
thinking more about animal welfare, and the role of the trustees are delighted to report a pledge
vets in animal welfare. It was also a great opportunity of funding from the Jean Sainsbury animal
to discuss welfare-related topics and see how we Welfare trust for the forum in 2009. one of
and our peers would deal with various situations.’ the objectives of the trust is to donate to uK
registered charities that benefit or protect
‘A brilliant, practical insight in to the animals and encourage the understanding
wide world of animal welfare.’ of animals. For more information visit
jeansainsburyanimalwelfare.org.uk
stuDent comments in the post-eVent questionnAire
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 9
eDuCaTiOn
Disseminating information
‘ we believe that education is key to the
improvement of the welfare of all animals.
To this end, we are continually working to
expand our range of educational
’
resources aimed at veterinary nurses,
students and the general public
bva-awf.org.uk/resources
© Satu Knape iStockphoto.com
eDuCaTiOn
Disseminating information
The BVA AWF’s range of educational leaflets was
expanded and updated during the year
Educational resources
we believe that education is key to the improvement of the examination and medication and its aim is to show that the
welfare of all animals. To this end, we are continually working primary consideration should be for the welfare of the animal.
to expand our range of educational leaflets as well as online
resources and posters aimed at veterinary nurses, students and bat care guidelines
the general public. The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) has developed the Bat welfare
(Care and rehabilitation) Project which aims to set out best
Caring for your ferret leaflet practice and deliver training to anyone treating and caring for
Our latest information leaflet, Caring for your ferret, was bats. we are currently working in partnership with the Trust, along
launched in early 2008. Produced in collaboration with the Ferret with the rSPCa and the rCvS Trust, on a new initiative focusing
education and research Trust (FerT) this leaflet is a practical on the rehabilitation of wild bats in the uK.
guide designed to help owners give the very best care to their
pet ferrets. Covering the basics such as housing, feeding, health Supported by Bva awF funding, the BCT has produced Bat Care
care and toilet training, the guide also offers advice on ‘ferret- Guidelines aimed at veterinary professionals, wildlife hospitals
proofing’ your home and garden, advice on games, and, very and new rehabilitators. The document is split into basic sections
importantly, breeding, neutering and vaccination. including ‘health and safety’, ‘rescue and collection’ and ‘ailments
and treatments’ which aim to provide minimum guidelines for
Due to overwhelming demand, the leaflet went to its second bat care. Copies of the guidelines were sent to all uK veterinary
print run within six months of being published. surgeons in 2008.
practical animal handling online tutorial disbudding of kid goats dVd
Our new web-based tutorial on practical animal handling was The Goat veterinary Society has produced a DvD designed to help
launched in spring 2008 and is now available on both the Bva veterinary practitioners to disbud kid goats.
awF website and the Bva’s veTS.Tv site.
The DvD is a guide to the best technique for disbudding kid goats
The tutorial was prepared in conjunction with newcastle from start to finish — it discusses anatomical considerations,
university and is primarily aimed at veterinary students and methods of anaesthesia and analgesia and disbudding. Particular
nurses. it features videos of expert veterinary staff demonstrating attention is drawn to the regulatory aspects of anaesthesia and
the correct procedures for handling small animals for clinical disbudding of kid goats, as they currently apply in the uK.
12 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
eDuCaTiOn
Disseminating information
© eric Hougaard iStockphoto.com
Our tutorial on practical animal handling can be
viewed online at vets.tv
Developed in association with the Bva awF the DvD is in of disease, causes, treatments and species affected and has been
memory of the late Mike Teale MrCvS, following a donation revised and updated by our charity using information supplied
from the Teale family. by victoria roberts, Honorary veterinary Surgeon to the Poultry
Club. Bva members were pleased to receive a poster with a copy
Second edition of Pets and poisons leaflet of The Veterinary Record and demand, worldwide, continues to
This year, we were pleased to launch an update of our popular be high.
Pets and poisons leaflet which was first produced in 2004.
Second editions of What makes my pet happy? and
The leaflet was produced in collaboration with the veterinary Taking your pets abroad leaflets
Poisons information Service and provides a valuable and easy These leaflets were both revised and updated in 2008. They
reference guide for owners on preventing poisoning in the home, continue to be extremely successful and the demand for each
garden or open spaces, along with advice on what to do if you shows no sign of abating.
think your animal has been poisoned.
Second edition of Free-range poultry diseases poster Please visit our website bva-awf.org.uk for further
The second edition of our Free-range poultry diseases poster information about our educational resources.
was made available for veterinary surgeons and members of the
general public early in 2008.
The poster is a valuable source of information on diseases
affecting exhibition chickens, hens, ducks, geese, turkeys,
ornamental pheasants, guinea fowl and peacocks. it details signs
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 13
DeBaTe
A forum for debate
Chairing the discussion: trustee Nick Blayney (centre)
takes a question from the floor
Discussion Forum 2008
as part of its aim to improve animal welfare through debate, the profession is indirectly condoning welfare issues caused by genetic
Bva awF holds an annual Discussion Forum which brings vets, malformations by accepting these conditions as the ‘norm’. Julia
animal welfare and government organisations together in order countered by saying that judging requirements preclude obvious
to identify and discuss important welfare-related issues. The Bva’s malformations and the majority of new breeds are produced
ethics and welfare Group and veterinary Policy Group are then merely by varying the colour and pattern of the coat.
invited to take forward some of the issues raised for discussion as
part of the Bva’s policy-making process. The second part of this session Electrical aid or shock collar?
saw lord Duncan Mcnair, representing the electronic Collars
each year this event builds on the success of the last and 2008 Manufacturers association, and Carolyn Mentieth, from the
was no exception. Due to the increasing popularity of the Kennel Club, presenting their opposing views on the benefits and
Forum, resulting from wide publicity and media attention, we welfare issues of electronic shock collars and a lively debate was
held this year’s event at a larger venue — the royal College of generated.
Physicians — and were pleased to reach capacity.
The Forum concluded with a session sponsored by the Bva awF
The opening session Put your money where your mouth is — can norman Hayward Fund which is earmarked for research into the
people afford animal welfare in food production? welcomed disease and welfare of sheep, cattle and horses. laminitis is a
speakers from Moy Park, waitrose, Freedom Food and the Farm serious welfare issue in horses and ignacio vinuela Fernandez,
animal welfare Council. The discussion covered the role of farmers of edinburgh university, and Celia Marr, from the British equine
in addressing welfare standards, consumer education and welfare veterinary association, presented the findings of their respective
labelling on supermarket products. Bva awF-funded studies into the disease. Paul roger, from the
Sheep veterinary Society closed the session with his report on
Delegates had the opportunity to debate the morning’s issues over casualty sheep.
a tasty lunch before settling down to discuss two controversial
issues under the title No Pain, No Gain. as ever, delegates’ feedback has been extremely positive and the
move to a new and larger venue following the increased interest
Television vet emma Milne and Julia May, a representative from the generated by the Forum was welcomed.
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, debated Designer animals
or breeding for welfare?. emma argued that the veterinary
14 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
DeBaTe
At Westminster
© John woodworth iStockphoto.com
The annual reception at the House of Commons was
once again a great success
House of Commons reception 2008
The Discussion Forum is traditionally followed by an evening
reception on the House of Commons terrace. This year’s was
blessed by good weather and attendance by MPs was good.
This event continues to provide an ideal opportunity for Forum
attendees to discuss the day’s events with other welfare bodies
and parliamentarians.
future plans ▼
topics for the 2009 discussion Forum will
include obesity in animals and a discussion
on pedigree breeding issues from the point
of view of the veterinary surgeon in the
‘A good day and time well spent;
consultation room.
excellent chairs and discussion.’
Discussion Forum DeLegAte
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 15
DeBaTe
Colston Symposium
© Su Mack iStockphoto.com
The symposium considered how scientific knowledge
of animal welfare and disease could be implemented
Animal Welfare and the Interface with
Disease: An International Symposium
we were pleased to provide sponsorship for a two-day
international symposium held at Bristol university in april 2008.
Sessions covered the fundamentals of animal welfare, stress and
disease, and considered how this scientific knowledge of animal
welfare and disease could be implemented under commercial
conditions. The symposium also brought together highly
regarded speakers from diverse, yet related, fields, from the uK,
europe, and the united States.
The symposium proceedings and published records of the event
were made available in both paper form and online and are
intended to be used as a resource for those interested in the
areas covered.
16 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
DeBaTe
Effecting change
© nathan Gleave iStockphoto.com
The profession’s concerns about genetically inherited
problems in dogs is a key issue for the BVA AWF
Influencing BVA policy
The Bva awF is not a policy-making body; however, it discreetly
contributes to the policy-making process by highlighting and
promoting debate on pertinent issues which are taken forward
by the Bva’s veterinary Policy Group and ethics and welfare
Group (ewG).
The content and outcomes of the annual Discussion Forums
represent the key area in which the Foundation can influence policy.
Shock collars
Following the Bva awF Discussion Forum debate, the Bva’s
Council discussed shock collars and electronic training aids and future plans ▼
referred the issue to the Bva’s ewG for policy development.
While the charity does not have a political
The ewG is currently in the process of updating the Bva’s position
agenda, we do feel that it is within our remit
documents on training aids and contributing to the welsh assembly
and capacity to take the lead on educating the
consultation paper on shock collars. Further involvement on the
general public on welfare issues. as such, we
matter will follow the publication, in 2010, of the Department for
intend to host a stakeholder meeting to discuss
environment, Food and rural affairs’s science and research study
possible practical solutions to the problems
which aims to assess the effect of pet training aids, specifically
associated with breeding in dogs and to establish
remote static pulse systems, on the welfare of domestic dogs.
how and where stakeholders can collaborate.
designer breeding
the bVa aWF will also revisit this topic from the
The topic of Designer animals or breeding for welfare? also
point of view of veterinary surgeons faced with
featured at the 2008 Forum. This was included as a direct result
challenging ethical issues in the consulting room
of the ongoing concerns within the veterinary profession about
at our discussion Forum in 2009.
genetically inherited problems within the pedigree dog population: a
topic that received considerable media attention throughout 2008.
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 17
FinanCeS anD aCCOunTS
Income and expenditure
Other income
Legacies Governance
Total income Total expenditure
Fundraising Generate
LegaciesInvestments49% Charitable 81%
Donations 47%
Investments
Donations Generating funds
Charitable 11%
Donations 2% Administration/support 8%
Investments
Fundraising Other income
Fundraising 1% Total expenditure £326,401
Legacies Other
Other incomeincome 1% Donations
Total income £235,745 Fundraising
Investments
Income breakdown for 2002
2008 2008
Legacies
Income reserves
Total income for the year was £235,745. income from legacies The reserves policy for the unrestricted General Fund is that
was similar to 2007 and accounted for almost half of the income trustees aim to spend no more than one seventh of total
for the year. This highlights their importance to the charity’s reserves when these are below £1 million. with the unrestricted
on-going financial wellbeing. The other main source of income reserves below the £1 million level the trustees again agreed
during 2008 was the returns generated from the charity’s that for the forthcoming financial year to consider only funding
investment portfolio, which fell by 27% due to the fall in interest projects or events of exceptional merit, up to £50,000. as
rates and the general economic climate. described previously, the trustees have also commissioned
market research in order to formulate a long-term fundraising
expenditure strategy for the Foundation.
a breakdown of the main expenditure on charitable items is
included in the table below. in terms of the restricted norman Hayward Fund, having invested
£500,000 of this fund, the balance is being made available for
Investments grants that fit within the remit of this restricted fund, namely
There were total losses of £144,937 from the investment projects relating to research into the diseases and welfare of
portfolio. The investment portfolio is managed on a sheep, cattle and horses. The main item awarded during 2008
discretionary basis by HSBC investment Management and was a grant to the Bva awF-funded lecturers at Bristol and
its investment objective is to obtain a reasonable long-term Glasgow for a project looking at maximising the value of extra-
overall return, with specific emphasis on income generation. mural studies (eMS) placements on cattle, sheep and horse units.
The stockbrokers will only invest in companies that do not
conflict with the general aims and policies of the Foundation. accounts
The performance of the portfolio is regularly monitored against This summary is taken from the audited accounts for the
various indices and during 2008 the total return of −13.3% year ending 31 December 2008, approved by the trustees for
was only marginally below the association of Private Client submission to the Charity Commission. The full set of accounts is
investment Managers and Stockbrokers index of −12.9%. available on the Bva awF website.
Charitable direct expenditure 2008
Maximising the value of eMS placements on
£188,865
cattle, sheep and horse units project
Bva awF Discussion Forum £18,435
educational leaflets and posters £3,522
Final-year animal welfare Forum, lancaster £7,034
Garden Bird Health research initiative £4,500
animal welfare and the interface with
£2,553
Disease: an international Symposium
Disbudding of kid goats DvD £2,044
18 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
DevelOPinG THe FOunDaTiOn
Looking to the future
© nathan Gleave iStockphoto.com
The trustees are looking to the future to ensure the
Foundation is as effective as possible
Way Forward Initiative
Towards the end of 2007 we agreed to commission a consultant
in order to establish the Foundation’s target audience through
market research. The outcomes of the research will be used to
inform further action with regards to advertising strategy and
future re-branding with a view to re-launching the charity.
an interim report on the research carried out to date was
presented at the trustees’ meeting in november 2008. an online
survey to 2000 Bva members will take place in early 2009 in order
to support these results.
future plans ▼
We plan to re-examine our advertising and
fundraising strategy following the conclusion
and recommendations of the market research
survey in 2009.
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008 19
DevelOPinG THe FOunDaTiOn
Please support our work
BVA AWF Chairman, Carl Padgett receiving a cheque
from NOAH’s Chief Executive, Phil Sketchley
our aims a lasting legacy
Through veterinary science, education and debate the Bva awF legacies are a vital source of funding for the Bva awF. as a charity
is committed to finding practical solutions to the health and we derive much of our income from legacies, allowing us to invest in
welfare problems of animals. The trustees of the Foundation are all improving the welfare of animals. in fact it was thanks to a generous
veterinary surgeons and so are ideally placed to identify appropriate bequest from Coleen Macleod in 1983 that the Bva was able to
projects to fund in the interests of animal welfare. The Foundation establish the Bva awF.
is funded entirely by voluntary contributions, including legacies, and
so we are reliant on the generosity of the public to continue our Making a will is the best way to ensure that your friends and family
practical and professional approach to improving animal welfare. have what they need when you are no longer there for them. it
also gives you a wonderful opportunity to remember organisations,
our supporters like the Bva awF, whose work you admire. remembering the
we are very grateful for the donations that we receive, they are Foundation in your will is one of the most effective ways you can
essential if we are to continue the work that we do in the interests help us continue our work to improve the welfare of animals.
of animal welfare. if you are already a Bva awF supporter we hope
that you will continue your commitment; if you are not already a For more information please telephone
supporter then we hope you will consider making a regular donation 020 7908 6375, contact bva-awf@bva.co.uk
by completing the standing order form opposite. Please remember or visit our website at bva-awf.org.uk
that the Gift aid scheme adds tax relief to your donations. For
every £1 you give, the Government will add 25p from your taxes.
it doesn’t cost you anything and when you make a declaration, all
your future donations will be topped up with Gift aid.
a big thankyou to noah
the bVa aWF trustees were delighted to receive the proceeds from the raffle at the national office of
animal health’s annual dinner in 2008. over £3,000 was raised by the attendees and their generosity is
greatly appreciated.
20 BVA Animal Welfare Foundation annual review 2008
Becoming a supporter
If you would like to support the Foundation’s work then please complete this
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation
Please complete the relevant sections of this form and return it to:
Funded entirely by voluntary contributions,
including legacies, the BVA AWF relies on your
generosity to continue its practical and professional
approach to improving animal welfare.
If you would like to know more about our work
please call us on 020 7908 6375 or visit bva-awf.org.uk
Cover photograph © Chris inch iStockphoto. Design by Pete McCormack Design info@petemccormackdesign.co.uk
British veterinary association animal welfare Foundation
7 Mansfield Street
london w1G 9nQ
Tel: 020 7908 6375
Fax: 020 7908 6349
email: bva-awf@bva.co.uk
bva-awf.org.uk
registered Charity 287118
