The speaker line-up has been confirmed for the Guinea Pig Welfare Forum 2025, taking place on September 10 at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham.
The event, organised by Burgess Pet Care, will feature industry experts and cover key topics in guinea pig health, welfare, and behaviour.
Following the success of its inaugural forum in 2024, John Chitty will return to chair the 2025 event. The morning Research Forum will feature presentations on clinical topics such as musculoskeletal conditions, renal disease, common welfare concerns, and stress management in guinea pigs, while afternoon sessions will consider husbandry and welfare issues, including zoo-based perspectives on wild cavies, current health priorities, inspection standards for pet vending, and the overall impact of husbandry practices on guinea pig wellbeing.
The event is open to veterinary professionals, animal welfare advocates, educators, and small pet owners. Tickets cost £10 with all proceeds going to support guinea welfare.
Peter Lancaster, head of marketing at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We’re excited to welcome a wide range of expert voices to this year’s forum. Building on the momentum of 2024’s event, we want to continue driving positive change across key areas of guinea pig care, including social housing, nutrition, wellness, and ethical treatment.
“Attendees can expect a full day of expert presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all designed to support continuous improvement in guinea pig welfare and care standards, while exploring the species’ history and development.”
Confirmed speakers include:
- John Chitty, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine
- Abi Edis, Registered Veterinary Nurse
- Alison Wills, Lecturer, University of Central Lancashire
- Mary Coles, PhD Researcher, University of Liverpool
- Lauren Fenton, Registered Veterinary Nurse
- Paul Betchley, Head of Zoological and Park Operations, Beale Park
- David Griffiths, Senior Animal Welfare Officer, Winchester City Council
- Rik Cridland, Founder, HayPigs!
For more information and to register, visit: guineapigalliance.com/gpwf.
