The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards takes place on Wednesday.

Countdown to awards ceremony

It is just two days until the winners of the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards are announced.

The awards, now in their third year, recognised veterinary professionals, volunteers and charity workers that have gone that extra step to improve animal welfare.

A panel of industry professionals including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc and Claire Bessant of International Cat Care have been judging the categories ahead of Wednesday's award ceremony in Birmingham.

This year's awards feature new categories including the Farm Animal Welfare Award, Charity Team of the Year Award and the International Cat Care Welfare Award.

Vet surgeons Suina Ann Reid of The Veterinary Health Centre, Lytham St Annes, and Tracey Ann Manning of Hook Vet Centre, Hampshire, will be up against Marc Abraham, founder of Pup Aid, for the Christopher Laurence Vet of the Year award.   

Farmer Gareth Wyn Jones of Llanfairfechan, Wales, veterinary surgeon Molly McKay Norfolk Farm Vets Ltd, Grimston, Norfolk, and Reading based agricultural consultant Simon Haley are in the running for the Farm Animal Welfare Award. 

The charity professional of the year award will be fought between Luke Gamble of Worldwide Veterinary Service, Alison Ling of Hope Rescue and Anna Soillet of The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, while the charity team of the year award is to be decided between The Cat Volunteers - National Animal Welfare Trust, Hope Rescue, and the community engagement team at Wood Green.

Selena Byrne and Mel Boughton  of Vets 4 Pets and Jodie Foster of  Haygate Veterinary Centre in Muxton, will compete for Welfare Nurse of the Year Award.

Chris McLean of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Phillip Jones of The Dogs Trust, and Johanna Beumer of Whittingham Kennels are shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year Welfare Award.

The International Cat Care Welfare award finalists meanwhile are Agnes Dufau of Plataforma Gatera, Kate Shervell of Worldwide Veterinary Service and Silvana Valentino-Locke of Romney House Cat Rescue.

Judge Christopher Laurence, said: “I think the quality of entries in general goes up every year and it is wonderful to see more people nominated across all the categories. Of course, it does make our job as judges all the more difficult.”

Ceva managing director, Alan Doyle said: “It’s truly wonderful to read so many stories about honourable people dedicating their time to improve the welfare of animals here and across the globe. The judges had a tough time whittling down the short list.”

Claire Bessant CEO of International Cat Care said: “I began my charity career more than 20 years ago and I only wish awards like these one had existed then as the wonderful work that these people do needs celebrating.

"Ceva’s Animal Welfare Awards provide a glimpse into the lengths that people around the country go to improve animal welfare. The stories were both tear jerking and inspiring - each and every one deserves to be a winner.

"We look forward to revealing the award winners finalists at the BSAVA conference.”