New President for BVA Northern Ireland Branch
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) Northern Ireland Branch has elected Simon Doherty as its new President.
As part of the network of regional and specialist divisions the branches in the devolved administrations contribute local knowledge and expertise into the wider lobbying and representational activities of the BVA. Lively and active branches are vital to BVA’s efforts in the devolved governments to progress a range of issues. This includes specifically in Northern Ireland bovine viral diarrhoea and achieving officially brucellosis free (OBF) status, as well as the broader concerns BVA holds surrounding veterinary education, welfare at slaughter, dog control and disease control and prevention in general.
During his term as President, Simon will be the principal representative of BVA’s Northern Ireland Branch in relation to veterinary matters.
Simon, who is Director of Operations and Business Development at SiSAF and a Trustee of the charity Send A Cow, was elected President of the BVA Northern Ireland Branch at its AGM on 4 February 2015 after serving a year as a Junior Vice President. He said:
“I am truly honoured to be elected as President of the BVA Northern Ireland Branch. I look forward to a full and challenging year ahead, working with the BVA Branch team in Northern Ireland as well as my veterinary colleagues throughout Northern Ireland to promote and support this wonderful profession. I will also work to champion the highest animal welfare standards for both companion and production animals. I want to engage all BVA members and potential members in Northern Ireland to ensure we continue to work with government, politicians and policy-makers to keep the issues that matter to vets on the agenda in Northern Ireland. ”
Congratulating Simon on his election, BVA President John Blackwell said:
“BVA’s Branches are invaluable in safeguarding animal welfare and representing veterinary surgeons in the devolved nations, where animal health and welfare are the responsibility of the individual nation. The work of the Northern Ireland Branch and Simon and his colleagues brings invaluable expertise to discussions about relevant animal, agricultural and veterinary policy in Northern Ireland as well as playing a hugely important role when it comes to influencing politicians.
“I am delighted to welcome Simon as President, having already enjoyed working with him and the fantastic Northern Ireland team last year. I know he will bring both knowledge and passion to his role and be an exemplary advocate for the profession in Northern Ireland on topics as diverse as disease surveillance, pet animal welfare and veterinary medicines.”
