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Professor Josh Slater receives Blue Cross awardThe British Equine Veterinary Association BEVA welfare award 2009 sponsored by The Blue Cross animal charity was presented to Professor Josh Slater at the 48th BEVA Annual Congress in Birmingham last Friday 11 September The award which was introduced by BEVA in alignment with The Blue Cross nine years ago is a formal acknowledgement of important contributions made by veterinary surgeons and others to equine welfare It was presented to Professor Slater by Kerstin Alford director of equine welfare at The Blue Cross in acknowledgment of his significant role in developing the E

ergency Services Protocol now known as Safer Horse Rescues Kerstin said Professor Slater has been the driving force behind the Emergency Services Protocol which sets a national standard for all those involved in large animal rescue It will have a valuable impact on the deliverance and renewal of horses and ponies throughout the UK by helping to minimise suffering and maximise chances of a positive outcome We are delighted to recognise Professor Slater acirc 8364 8482 s achievements with this award Josh Slater is Professor of Equine Clinical Studies at the Royal Veterinary College and the manager of the college acirc 8364 8482 s equine referral hospital He is a Diplomate of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine and has active research interests in infectious respiratory diseases He has lately been implemental in the evolution of a surveillance protocol for equine endemic diseases Safer Horse Rescues is a nationwide initiative involving vets the Highways Agency and Emergency Services It was set up in 2007 following a number of incidents of horses dying slow painful deaths following accidents or later becoming trapped In gain to introducing the Protocol Professor Slater has helped to get training courses for vets and attack fighters involved with horse rescue The Blue Cross has been a supporter of equine welfare for over 100 years Today the charity rehabilitates and rehomes over a hundred horses and ponies every class at its two equine rehoming centres in Burford Oxfordshire and Rolleston on Dove Staffordshire A third facility in Northiam East Sussex provides balance and retirement for Blue Cross equines The Blue Cross provides practical support information and advice for pet and horse owners Through its mesh of small animal and equine 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 The Blue Cross does not find any government funding so it relies on the unselfishness of the world to extend its work For more information please visit http www bluecross org uk