Dr Elisabeth Svendsen receives Blue Cross Award

17/09/2007

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) welfare award 2007, sponsored by The Blue Cross, has been presented to Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE for significant contributions to equine welfare - not only as founder of The Donkey Sanctuary but also through her role in providing funding for new buildings, vets and vet nurses at various vet schools in the UK.

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

It was presented to Dr Elisabeth Svendsen at the 46th BEVA Annual Congress on Friday 14 September, by John Rutter, chief executive of The Blue Cross.  Mr Rutter said: I'm delighted to present this award to Dr Svendsen, who has dedicated so much of her life to improving the lives of donkeys around the world.  The Blue Cross has been caring for horses for over 100 years and this annual award gives us an opportunity to recognise others who have made significant contributions to equine welfare.

Receiving the award, Dr Svendsen said: I've been working with donkeys for 38 years and still have much to learn about this humble, much abused animal.   The input of the veterinary profession with our work around the world has been vital.   We like to think of our Sanctuary facilities in the UK as a centre of excellence and we consistently train overseas vets so that with their new knowledge they can go back and spread the word in their countries.

The strategic use of anthelmintics has extended a healthier, longer life for the working donkey, thus helping some of the poorest people in the world in their daily struggle for survival.  I appreciate this award tremendously, and my thanks go to the veterinary profession for their support and encouragement over the years.

The Donkey Sanctuary was founded by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE in 1969 and since this date the charity has taken over 12,000 donkeys into its care in the UK and Ireland. The Donkey Sanctuary aims to prevent the suffering of donkeys worldwide through the provision of high quality, professional advice, training and support on donkey welfare.

In the UK and Ireland a dedicated team of over 60 welfare officers follows up reports of cruelty or neglect of donkeys and permanent sanctuary is provided to any donkey in need of refuge.  The Donkey Sanctuary also works in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Mexico, bringing urgent veterinary assistance to working donkeys in distress.

The Blue Cross was founded in 1897 to care for working horses on the streets of London, and equine welfare still plays a vital role in its 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.

Ends

Notes to Editors
Images of the award presentation will soon be available, on request.
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

Media contact
Laura Dobson, Senior Press Officer, 020 7932 4065 or laura.dobson@bluecross.org.uk.