Nominations are now open for the prestigious Ceva Animal Welfare Awards 2019.

Returning for its seventh year, the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards 2019 will once again celebrate the achievements of remarkable people from the farming, veterinary, charity and education sectors.

Ceva has identified the importance of highlighting the welfare achievements of farming professionals by launching two exciting new agricultural awards – the Farmer of the Year Award sponsored by R.A.B.I. for farmers who strive to provide and encourage a high standard of animal welfare on their farm(s) and Farm Educator of the Year sponsored by NADIS.  This award acknowledges the work of a SQP, advisor, university or other educational institute that works hard to research and educate on the importance and benefits of farm animal welfare.

Another new award for 2019 is the Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare Award sponsored by Your Cat and Your Dog magazines.  This award is for an individual or team that stands out from the crowd by influencing and significantly contributing to making a visible difference in the world of animal welfare.

Outstanding farmers, vets, vet nurses, animal welfare professionals and animal welfare teams can now be nominated to receive an award by their peers and the general public.  Nominees can come from all walks of life, all ages, and from anywhere in the world.

The award categories include:

Chris Laurence Vet of the Year – sponsored by Vet Record

This award is dedicated to our head judge, Christopher Laurence, in recognition of a veterinary surgeon (either companion or farm animal) who demonstrates their commitment to the continuous improvement of animal health and welfare.

Vet Nurse of the Year – sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance

This award is to give appreciation to a veterinary nurse (either companion or farm animal) who excels in their role by demonstrating and/or educating to the highest level of animal health and welfare.

Charity Team of the Year – sponsored by PDSA

This award is for an inspiring team whose drive and passionate dedication has changed the lives of animals for the better.

Charitable Contribution of the Year – sponsored by Blue Cross

This award is for an individual, in either a voluntary or paid role, who is constantly committed to making a difference to animal welfare.

International Cat Care Welfare of the Year – sponsored by International Cat Care

This esteemed award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of feline welfare. The winner of this award is selected by International Cat Care and therefore this category is not open to nominations.

Farmer of the Year – sponsored by R.A.B.I.

This award is for a farmer who strives to provide and encourage a high standard of animal welfare on their farm(s).

Farm Educator of the Year – sponsored by NADIS

This award is to acknowledge the work of a SQP, advisor, university or other educational institute, that works hard to research and educate on the importance and benefits of farm animal welfare.

Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare – sponsored by Your Dog and Your Cat magazines

This award is for an individual or team who stands out from the crowd by influencing and significantly contributing to making a visible difference in the world of animal welfare.  This award is selected by our judging panel, from all nominations received for 2019 and therefore, this category is not open for direct nominations.

Since the first Ceva Awards in 2012, hundreds of people and teams have been nominated, with the winners decided by a panel of esteemed judges headed by Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc.  The winners and runners up will be honoured at a glittering ceremony taking place on the eve of BSAVA Congress on 3rd April 2019.

“We are delighted to be able to acknowledge the outstanding and inspirational welfare achievements of people from the farming, veterinary, charity and education sectors at the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards and are looking forward to receiving nominations which increase in both quality and quantity year on year,” comments Ceva Animal Health managing director, Cuneyt Seckin.

If there is a farmer, vet, vet nurse, animal welfare professional or animal welfare team that you feel deserves to be recognised for their ongoing commitment to animal welfare, visit www.cevawelfareawards.com to nominate.  Entries must be in by Friday 11th January 2019.