Former BHIC Chair to sit on Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Board

The British Horse Industry Confederation (BHIC) has today welcomed the news that Professor Tim Morris, former Chair of the BHIC, has been appointed as a non-executive member of the new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE).

The Board, launched earlier this year by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), brings experts from outside Government together with the Chief Veterinary Officer and civil servants to make direct recommendations on strategic policy affecting the health and welfare of kept animals such as farm animals, horses and pets.

The Board’s membership includes farmers, veterinarians, welfare experts and others. Professor Morris is joined by Stewart Houston, Stuart Roberts and Mark Tufnell, as well as Chair Michael Seals, as the Board begins its work in developing the Government’s strategic Animal Health and Welfare policy.

Professor Tim Morris said:

“I am honoured to be selected for this important role and would like to thank the wide range of organisations that supported my application.

All those in the equine community should feel that Defra has recognised the important and diverse horse industry across England.

I will endeavour to serve the wider interests of all animal keepers in working responsibly together with the Government to do the best for animal health and welfare.”

October 28th, 2011