The annual Animal Welfare Foundation Discussion Forum returns to London this summer with a new debate format that will include speakers putting forth opposing arguments on the welfare of UK’s exotic species in captivity.
One of the best-loved CPD events of the veterinary calendar, the Discussion Forum – on June 5 this year – invites experts from around the world to discuss a range of sessions designed to address key issues impacting animal welfare today and to inspire change. This year’s sessions will feature a formal debate style, with experts speaking for and against a motion before opening the floor to questions and views from the audience.
The afternoon debate, chaired by Sky News sports editor Nick Powell, will ask if we can meet the welfare needs of the growing numbers of ‘non-traditional’ companion animals and wildlife in domestic settings or in zoos.
Internationally renowned specialist zoo and wildlife vet Romain Pizzi, exotics vet Tariq Abou-Zahr and the Born Free Foundation’s Dr Chris Draper and Mark Jones will debate the issue, looking at the husbandry requirements of exotic animals, the suitability of current animal welfare assessment frameworks, and the ‘greater good’ of conservation and breeding programmes, among other themes.
Chris Laurence, AWF chair of trustees, said: “I’m particularly looking forward to the new debate format, which will give delegates insights on both sides of an issue, while an audience vote immediately before and after the debate will give us a handy barometer of delegate opinion.
Simon Doherty, president of the British Veterinary Association and AWF trustee, said: “The Discussion Forum is an exceptional conference that provides a wonderful opportunity for informed debate on important animal welfare issues. It is also a great forum to network with leading animal welfare researchers from across the UK and further afield.”
