The Burgess Excel Vet Awards, which celebrates the hard work of rabbit-friendly vets, vet nurses and veterinary practices championing rabbit welfare, has announced the winners of this year’s inaugural awards, 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.
Winners were judged on a variety of elements, including their expert understanding of a rabbit’s specific needs, the specialist rabbit facilities available in the practice, the provision of educational rabbit materials and the general support for rabbit owners.
Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB MRCVS, 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 wellbeing 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.”
The winners and final shortlist for each category are as follows:
Rabbit Vet of the Year
Winner
- Dr Sophie Jenkins, Origin Vets in Cardiff, Wales
Shortlisted
- Dr Nadene Stapleton, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in Camden, London
- Dr Rachel King, East Barnet Vets in East Barnet, London
- Dr Rieke Hettrick, Moorview Vets in Newcastle
- Dr Madonna Livingstone, Ark Veterinary Clinic in Coatbridge, Scotland
Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
Winner
- Nicky Leech, Vets4Pets in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Shortlisted
- Laura Petts, Robson and Prescott Veterinary Surgeons in Morpeth, Northumberland
- Kerry Warrington, Cogges Veterinary Surgery in Witney, Oxfordshire
- Emma Maguire, Westfield Vets in Somerset
- Olivia Coulton, Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre in Buckinghamshire
Rabbit Friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year
Winner
- Toll Barn Veterinary Centre in North Walsham, Norfolk
Shortlisted
- Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in London
- Robson and Prescott Veterinary Surgeons in Morpeth, Northumberland
- Abbey House Veterinary Hospital in Morley, Rothwell and Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire
- Scarsdale Vets in Langley Mill, Nottingham
Best Rabbit Awareness Week Campaign of the Year
Winner
- Abi Nell, Mill House Veterinary Practice in King’s Lynn, West Norfolk
Shortlisted
- Molly Fiander, Locum Veterinary Nurse
Dr Sophie 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.”
Nicky Leech, winner of Rabbit Nurse of the Year said:
“I have loved rabbits since before I was a veterinary nurse. They are the most beautiful, interesting and loving creatures I have ever met, and highly under rated and mis-understood, both in and out of the veterinary profession. Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen, and everyone who has inspired me. You have really made my year.”
Dr Faye Bethell of Toll Barn Veterinary Centre, winner of Rabbit Friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year said:
“We are absolutely delighted and humbled to have won such a prestigious award. Our team are very proud to continue to provide our rabbit patients with the best care possible and would like to thank all our clients who voted for us. The introduction of accolades such as the Burgess Excel Awards plays an important role in recognising and promoting rabbit veterinary care and we are very proud to be a part of it.”
Abi Nell, student Veterinary Nurse at Mill House Veterinary Practice, winner of Best Rabbit Awareness Week Campaign of the Year said:
“I am thrilled to have won this recognition for our campaign. Mill House Veterinary Hospital are passionate about the health and wellbeing of our rabbit patients, and we relish the opportunity to provide additional support and education for our clients.”
Holly Ackroyd, Senior Brand Manager at Burgess Pet Care added:
“We are absolutely delighted with the response to the first Burgess Excel Vet Awards, as it enables us to recognise the brilliant work, which is happening the length and breadth of the country. It’s been fantastic to hear about so many veterinary professionals who are going above and beyond every day to take care of the UK’s rabbits.”
Future announcements about next year’s Burgess Excel Vet Awards, including information on how to nominate and apply, will be announced on the Burgess Pet Care website.
