Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th August 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Westminster dog award dedicated to Sir David Amess
Pictured: Sir David Amess with Vivienne.
The 'pawblic' vote award has been renamed in his memory.

An award dedicated to the late MP Sir David Amess has been introduced to the Westminster Dog of the Year competition.

Sir David, who suffered a tragic death in October 2021, was known to be passionate about dog welfare and greatly enjoyed the Westminster Dog of the Year competition, entering several times with his rescue dogs, Bo and Lilly. 

Entering with his dog Vivienne before his death, Sir David was posthumously crowned winner of the 2021 competition, and the competition now wishes to commemorate his legacy of commitment to dog welfare. 

At this year's event, hopeful MPs will have the chance to win the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote Award, presented to an MP and their dog voted for by the public.

Commenting on the accolade, Sir David's family said: “As a lifelong campaigner for animal rights, we can think of no better recognition of his work than through the renamed ‘Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote Award’. 

“He worked tirelessly throughout his career with organisations such as The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust to secure better animal welfare for the nation’s furry friends.

“We are honoured that The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust have re-named the award after him and he would be thrilled that there is such a wonderful recognition as a lasting memory for him. 

“We would like to thank both organisations for their support and kindness, and we hope that this year’s winner is ready for the ‘pawblicity’ that will no doubt follow from winning such a prestigious award. Best of luck to all the entrants.”

Chief executive of Dogs Trust, Owen Sharp, added: “Sir David was a steadfast supporter of both the work of Dogs Trust and of the Westminster Dog of the Year award, an event which he entered a number of times, with both Dogs Trust dogs and with his own dogs. 

“Sir David’s commitment to improving the lives of dogs and other animals is admirable and we hope that this award will continue to cement his legacy.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.