The BSAVA and the BEVA have made a donation of £7,000 to the Australian Veterinary Association Benevolent Fund to help assist the work of the veterinary profession who are dedicating their lives to the wellbeing of animals caught in the wildfires. Both Associations are also appealing to members to make donations.
BSAVA President Sue Paterson said: “Throughout Australia there are massive areas of land reduced to tinder, thousands of homes and people’s livelihoods destroyed as well as the devastating effects of the fires on the millions of native animals.
“Whilst we can offer our support and offer condolences to the courageous people of Australia who are dealing with this natural disaster, BSAVA feel that we should be more proactive and we hope our membership will support our decision to make a donation to the Benevolent fund set up by the Australian Veterinary Association. As the welcome rains have arrived to help dissipate the flames, we feel financial support will help to nurture the green shoots as they start to appear.”
BEVA President Tim Mair said: “We have all been shocked and saddened by this ongoing tragedy but we’re full of admiration for the courageous and generous work being undertaken by our veterinary colleagues Down Under. This gesture of support will hopefully help to sustain the efforts to minimise suffering and rebuild”.
If BSAVA or BEVA members would like to offer financial support please visit AVA’s website.