Lesley Barwise-Munro receives Blue Cross Award

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) welfare award 2006, sponsored by The Blue Cross, is to be presented to Lesley Barwise-Munro, for her work improving equine welfare legislation.

The award, which was introduced by BEVA in conjunction with The Blue Cross animal welfare charity six years ago, is a formal recognition of significant contributions made by veterinary surgeons and others to equine welfare.

It will be presented to Lesley Barwise-Munro at the opening ceremony of the 45th BEVA Annual Congress on Thursday 14 September, by HRH The Princess Royal   and John Rutter, chief executive of The Blue Cross.

Lesley Barwise-Munro BVM&S BSc CertEP MRCVS was the president of BEVA during 2005 and will have been on the BEVA Council for nine years when she steps down at the end of this year. During this period she has dedicated a huge amount of time to developing equine welfare legislation, working on her own and in concert with others. Lesley has played a key role in developing the Equine Welfare Compendium, has been instrumental in driving forward the changes to the law on the licensing of livery yards and has played a crucial role in the development of the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy.

John Rutter, chief executive of The Blue Cross said: “With quiet determination and immense dedication Lesley has strived for many years to improve the lot of the horse in this country. Her work has led to major improvements in equine welfare across many sectors. Last year she helped to present the award. This year I take enormous pleasure in presenting it to her.”

With a history of caring for horses dating back to 1897, equine welfare plays a vital role in The Blue Cross’s work today. The charity has three specialised equine welfare centres in Sussex, Oxfordshire and Staffordshire, which provide rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming facilities for abandoned, neglected, ill-treated or unwanted horses and ponies.

Media contact: Sam Cordwell
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Note to Editors
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The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing information, advice and practical support for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets fees. For further information visit the Blue Cross website at www.bluecross.org.uk