The annual Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum is set to delve into the intricacies of animal welfare, ethics, and rights at the upcoming event on Monday 13 May.
Held at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London, the forum will feature experts from veterinary science, animal welfare science, and law, gathering to discuss pressing issues in the field.
Under the theme of ‘Animal welfare, ethics and rights,’ the forum will kick off with a session chaired by Professor of Veterinary Ethics Madeline Campbell. Sponsored by Vet Partners, this discussion will explore the scientific, legal, and moral dimensions of animal welfare, ethics, and rights. Panelists, including veterinary professionals, legal experts, and scholars, will tackle questions surrounding the overlap between these concepts, the role of the veterinary profession in advocating for animal rights, and the implications for animal welfare.
Driving Change and Innovation
The forum will feature notable figures such as Sean Wensley, Past President of the British Veterinary Association and Senior Vet for Animal Welfare and Professional Engagement at PDSA, who will provide insights into the moral and ethical responsibilities of the veterinary profession. Steven McCulloch, Senior Lecturer in Human-Animal Studies at the University of Winchester, will explore the imperative for vets to engage in the animal rights debate. Additionally, Dr Angus Nurse, Professor of Law and Environmental Justice at Anglia Ruskin University, will shed light on the legal aspects of animal rights and welfare.
Julian Kupfer, Chair of the AWF Board of Trustees, highlighted the forum’s significance in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices to enhance animal welfare. With growing calls for advocacy in animal rights, the forum serves as a platform for critical discussions and innovative approaches in addressing challenges within the sector.
Securing Tickets
British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson encouraged active engagement from veterinary professionals in discussing these complex and contentious issues. The forum promises to facilitate lively discussions, presenting evidence-based perspectives from expert panels.
There’s still an opportunity to attend the forum, with standard tickets priced at £135, which includes lunch and an evening reception. Discounted rates are available for students, recent graduates, and veterinary nurses. For ticket purchases and detailed information about the programme and speakers, visit www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk/discussion-forum/.
The AWF Discussion Forum is sponsored by Vet Partners, Pets at Home, Vets for Pets, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and World Horse Welfare.
