JA Wight Award goes to Chris Laurence

The JA Wight memorial award, sponsored by The Blue Cross, has this year been presented to Chris Laurence MBE, BVSc, MRCVS for his exceptional contribution to animal welfare.

Chris has worked diligently for the cause of companion animals since he qualified as a vet in 1968, with many years in the animal charities world, and has been veterinary director of Dogs Trust since 2003. He was awarded the MBE for services to animal welfare in 2007 and continues to be heavily involved in lobbying work and developing legislation to protect companion animals.

Blue Cross chief executive John Rutter said: "The JA Wight award allows The Blue Cross to recognise the vital contributions of those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of animals, as we have done for over 100 years. We are very pleased to present Chris with this award for his dedication to promoting the interests of companion animals."

On receiving the award, Chris said: "The recognition of my work that has the most value to me, is recognition by my peers. So recognition by both the veterinary profession in BSAVA, and welfare organisations in the form of the Blue Cross, is a very special occasion and I am delighted to have been given the JA Wight Award."

Chris also chairs the Microchip Advisory Group and was instrumental in setting up Pets in Europe, a European animal welfare organisation working with EU authorities to procure adequate legislative protection of companion animals.

James Wight presented the award at the BSAVA congress yesterday in memory of his father Alf Wight, veterinarian and author of the James Herriot novels. The Wight family have been keen supporters of The Blue Cross for many years.

4 April 2008