The Blue Cross presents award to global animal campaigner

The JA Wight Memorial Award, sponsored by The Blue Cross pet charity, has been awarded to Ray Butcher MA VetMB MRCVS, board member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and former President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA).

Working tirelessly to improve standards of veterinary care across the globe, Ray has helped to develop teaching resources aimed at supporting the introduction of veterinary facilities in the developing world and was a founding member of the Alliance for Rabies Control - a group of experts committed to reducing the human death toll from rabies.

John Rutter, chief executive of award sponsors, The Blue Cross, said: "Ray‘s work illustrates how animal welfare and human well being are intrinsically linked. For over 100 years The Blue Cross has worked to highlight the benefits of companionship between pets and their people and we are proud to recognise his valuable contribution to promoting the human-animal bond."

On receiving the award, Ray said: "Receiving this award, dedicated as it is to animal welfare, is especially important for me. However, in accepting it I would like to acknowledge the dedication and compassion of many colleagues throughout the world who work tirelessly in this field with few resources, with little reward and without recognition. They have all been an inspiration to me."

The award was presented by James Wight in memory of his father Alf Wight - veterinarian and author of the James Herriot novels - at the BSAVA congress this morning.

Media contact: Laura Dobson
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Notes to editors
· Photos from the award ceremony are available on request
· The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice 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. Our website: www.bluecross.org.uk.