Edinburgh veterinary surgeon wins Vet of the Year award

Dr Heather Bacon. Picture: Paul Chappells

The prize recognises the highly valuable work of individuals dedicated to bettering the lives of animals.

For the fifth year running, the awards saw an esteemed panel of industry professionals, including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc and James Yeates, chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA, get together to decide the deserving winners.

Dr Heather Bacon, based at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, was recognised by judges for her incredible dedication to animal welfare.

Her work has included tackling the notoriously cruel bear bile farm industry to promoting the value of properly managing street dog populations through neutering schemes.

Dr Bacon was recognised for her long-standing and far-reaching dedication to the cause of greater animal welfare.

She said: “It feels little bit surreal actually. I think what brought it home for me was the enormous spectrum of amazing work being carried out across the world.

“The Ceva awards champion good work that is being done across society, across a whole spectrum of people.

“There is a place for everyone and it is hugely encouraging.

“No-one goes into this work to be recognised, but the chance to celebrate these unsung heroes is really important.

“It is so nice to be acknowledged, to know that someone out there has taken the time to write a recommendation.”

The winners were presented with their coveted awards at a dazzling event on April 7 at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham.

Ginette Bryant, corporate communication manager of Ceva Animal Health, described the awards ceremony as a “fabulous” occasion.

She said: “All of the years we have done it have been brilliant and the nominations are so wonderful.

“It has become more and more international as the years have gone on. Fortunately, many of the global organisations we have recognised have been based in the UK so we have access to these wonderful individuals.

“The people who are represented, our finalists, are just amazing.

“What I would really like to see is for it to become an international event, with the UK sharing their eccentric love of animals further afield.”