24 Nov 2020
Sophie Jenkins named Rabbit Vet of the Year and Nicky Leech wins Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year title at first ever Burgess Excel Vet Awards.
James Westgate
Job Title
Image © DoraZett / Adobe Stock
The winners of the inaugural Burgess Excel Vet Awards have been announced following hundreds of applications and nominations from veterinary professionals across the UK.
A judging panel of industry experts, veterinary professionals and rabbit specialists chose one winner from a shortlist in each of the four categories, who will receive a £500 cash prize each along with a Burgess Excel Vet Awards trophy.
The awards were created to celebrate the hard work of rabbit-friendly vets, vet nurses and veterinary practices championing rabbit welfare.
Winners were judged on a variety of elements, including:
Suzanne Moyes, Burgess Excel Awards judge and veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “On behalf of the entire judging panel and rabbit owners across the UK, we’d like to extend a massive congratulations and a huge thank you to the winners of the Excel Vet Awards, for doing everything they can to improve the well-being of rabbits in the UK.
“Equal thanks must go to all of the veterinary professionals and practices that were shortlisted, too. The quality and sheer number of applications and nominations we received was astounding, so it was no easy task drawing up a final shortlist and deciding on the winners.”
Sophie Jenkins, Origin Vets, Cardiff
Nadene Stapleton, RVC Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, London
Rachel King, East Barnet Vets, London
Rieke Hettrick, Moorview Vets, Newcastle
Madonna Livingstone, Ark Veterinary Clinic, Coatbridge
Nicky Leech, Vets4Pets Leamington Spa
Laura Petts, Robson and Prescott Veterinary Surgeons, Morpeth
Kerry Warrington, Cogges Veterinary Surgery, Witney, Oxfordshire
Emma Maguire, Westfield Vets, Somerset
Olivia Coulton, Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, Buckinghamshire
Toll Barn Veterinary Centre, North Walsham, Norfolk
RVC Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, London
Robson and Prescott Veterinary Surgeons, Morpeth
Abbey House Veterinary Hospital, West Yorkshire
Scarsdale Vets, Langley Mill, Nottingham
Abi Nell, Mill House Veterinary Practice, King’s Lynn
Molly Fiander, locum veterinary nurse
Dr Jenkins, winner of Rabbit Vet of the Year, said: “I am deeply honoured to be awarded Burgess Excel’s Rabbit Vet of the Year. Being a vet is not just about the cases, diagnostics and surgeries; it is about promoting animal welfare to maintain a good standard of care at home as well as in the veterinary setting.
“Rabbit welfare has greatly improved in recent years, and I am proud to be part of this and to know that rabbits around the UK are thriving again. There is still much work to do, but I am dedicated to continuing to educate clients, pet shops, breeders and other veterinary professionals alike.”
