The initiative involves “Marchig Trust/WVS Veterinary Support Teams” being established and committed to improving the treatment and welfare of animals worldwide.  The immediate priority of the “Teams” will be within Europe and India, establishing, developing and supporting programmes dedicated to the welfare of animals, including animal birth control and anti-rabies programmes and measures to control zoonotic disease; the provision of veterinary support to needy animal welfare organisations within the areas of operation; developing and promoting best practice protocols for animal welfare; promoting education programmes designed to encourage respect for animals and responsible stewardship; developing and promoting training programmes to increase the skills of local veterinary and animal welfare staff.

Already “Marchig Trust/WVS Veterinary Support Teams” have been to Spain, Ukraine and Croatia, with return trips planned to these countries.  Further requests will also see the “Teams” visit Greece, India, Azerbaijan, Romania, Cyprus and the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia.  With more and more requests coming in all the time, it is clear that 2008 will be a busy year for the “Teams” and is an indication of how much they are badly needed. 

In addition, from within the “Teams”, a pioneering ‘Disaster Emergency Rapid Response’ component for animals will also be developed.  The aim is to have a “Team” ready to be deployed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to a crisis situation.  It is envisaged that when necessary, the “Team” could be embedded within a recognised humanitarian organisation, thus capable of dealing with the animal welfare situations that ensue from natural or other unforeseen disasters and allowing the humanitarian organisation not to get distracted from its human welfare work.

In commenting on this new initiative, Jeanne Marchig, the Founder of the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust and Chairman of the Trustees, said:

“I very much welcome joining forces with the Worldwide Veterinary Service in this new initiative.  The cruelty and suffering faced by animals in certain countries around the world, some of it inflicted deliberately, sometimes not and the work of the local organisations trying to deal with it all is immense.  Through my Trust’s partnership with the WVS in establishing these veterinary support teams, the Trustees believe that we will be able to alleviate at least some of this cruelty and suffering and give an added and welcome boost to the organisations that are on the front line trying to make a difference for the animal kingdom”.

Luke Gamble, the Founder and Chief Executive of the Worldwide Veterinary Service also commented:  

“This partnership will make a difference. By combining our strengths, the Marchig/WVS Support teams will provide a unique and much needed resource to numerous animal welfare organisations and charities around the world. By focusing on those in most need, going to places where no other help is available, we intend to make a stand to assist those animals and organisations that are in the direst of situations. The disaster response aspect is just one of the many pioneering capabilities of this unique initiative and the enthusiasm and commitment from both the Marchig Trust and ourselves to make this programme succeed, is absolute.”

 - Ends -

For further information, contact:

 Luke Gamble                                               Les Ward
Chief Executive                                             Managing Trustee
Worldwide Veterinary Service                         Marchig Animal Welfare Trust
5 – 7 Castle Street                                        PO Box 9422
Cranborne                                                    Carnwath
Dorset                                                          South Lanarkshire                    
BH21 5PZ                                                     ML11 8YG

Office:   01725 551123                                   Office:  01555 840991
Mobile:  07870 642948                                   Mobile: 07971 590337