British Society of Animal Science and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Award 2012

Every year, the BSAS and the RSPCA present an award for 'Innovative Developments in Animal Welfare' to an individual or group who has contributed to improving the well-being of animals through research and/or other related relevant work.

They have awarded their 2012 award to WildCRU in recognition of prolonged and outstanding contribution, under the leadership of Professor David Macdonald CBE, to the engagement of wildlife conservation with animal welfare, especially through the scientific study of non-lethal control and measures of stress in wild animals.

Professor Macdonald collected the award on 24th April at this year's Conference on Animal Science, which is a joint venture between BSAS, AVTRW (The Association for Veterinary Teaching and Research Work) & BBSRC (with WSPA) at Nottingham University. Prof Macdonald said 'WildCRU has always regarded animal welfare as an important arrow in the conservationist's quiver and is thrilled that this link between the well-being of individuals and the populations they comprise has been recognised in this prestigious award.'

WildCRU has conducted research on a range of non-lethal control measures with badgers, foxes, moles and corvids (e.g. see Wild Animal Welfare). We have also developed and applied techniques for measuring stress in wild animals, such as water voles and badgers, and have studied various aspects of animal health and welfare in small mammal reintroductions (e.g. see http://www.wildcru.org/research/). Currently we are researching the welfare impact of vertebrate management methods and the impacts of wildlife trade on animal welfare.