The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced the winners of their annual Honours and Awards. This prestigious award recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses or lay people who have worked internationally, from within or outside the UK and is an opportunity for individuals who have exceeded expectations to be recognised. Miranda Luck, RVN, has been recognised for her excellence in international animal welfare.
Miranda Luck was nominated by Kay Gibbins, managing director of MDC Exports who said: “As an experienced veterinary nurse and educator, Miranda has introduced shelter medicine and humane handling to many organisations worldwide.
“Veterinary clinics, animal rescue and rehoming, pounds, stray and feral populations have benefited from Miranda’s hands-on help, training and mentorship.”
With a passion for improving conditions for animals in care and confinement, Miranda set up her own business (Miranda Luck and Associates) in 2007 as an independent animal welfare consultant. Working and volunteering her services, Miranda travels within the UK and internationally as a specialist trainer helping local organisations to develop their own solutions to animal welfare issues.
She has specific interests in improving TNR practices and the plight of feral and non-pet cats held long term in shelters.
Her other activities include campaigning. Concerned about the amount of routine cat scruffing, Miranda Luck states, she created the “Must you Scruff” campaign to question the need to scruff cats (and other animals) without considering alternatives. The campaign immediately took off. Supporters of this campaign include International Cat Care, Cats Protection, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Langford/Bristol University, Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, COAPE and Blue Cross.
A staunch supporter of fear-free handling, this was followed by the “Must you Crush” campaign to review techniques when using restraint cages and the terminology used to describe frightened animals.
Then, aiming to provide alternatives to gloves, gauntlets and graspers, Miranda created the Wrapsio Cat Wrap, a scratch-proof calming blanket for gentle restraint.
On receiving the news, Miranda Luck said: “Thank you so very much to Kay for the nomination and the RCVS Council for this amazing accolade. I am truly honoured and humbled. I am so fortunate to have people who believe in me and my work and support me on this fantastic journey.”
