The death has been announced of the former chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), Professor Christopher Wathes.
Prior to being FAWC chair (the council later changed to committee), Prof Wathes was chair of Farm Animal Welfare at the Royal Veterinary College.
“He led FAWC during an incredibly productive period in which its stature and influence grew both nationally and internationally,” said AHDB Pork chair, Meryl Ward.
“He was a great leader, setting a clear vision and encouraging every member of the team to use their skills to the greater benefit. He was also a great influencer; extremely challenging but also willing to listen to other’s viewpoints to reach a pragmatic conclusion. His real success was not in just identifying the challenges and opportunities identified in the reports but using his skills to influence those in a position to make a difference.”
Prof. Wathes was awarded an OBE in 2013 for his work in relation to animal welfare.