Equine vet Dr Esther Skelly-Smith has been jointly elected as president of the Northern Ireland Branch of British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the North Of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA).
Esther takes on the role following one year as junior vice president of both organisations.
Graduating in 2012 from the University of Nottingham, Esther interned at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket before establishing Shanaghan Veterinary Services, Ireland’s first equine integrated veterinary referral service, in 2017.
She is also an honorary lecturer with Queen’s University Belfast, acting as a supervisor and placement provider for undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and lecturing on equine welfare.
During the two associations joint Annual General Meeting, which was held on Wednesday 22 February 2023, Esther succeeded Fiona McFarland as president.
Fiona will now move into the role of senior vice president of both associations.
Esther said: “I look forward to the year ahead. The veterinary profession in Northern Ireland continues to face challenges from long-term access to vital veterinary medicines and the evolving role vets play in trade following Brexit through to workforce shortages and future sustainability of the profession.
“However, there are also exciting opportunities, and I’m keen to explore the role well-being and positive working relationships can have in delivering a veterinary profession that is fit for the future.
“I also hope to engage with the government to progress a strategic plan for the equestrian industry and improvements in equine welfare.”
Esther plans to concentrate on several issues affecting animal welfare: “As a profession we are key stewards of animal welfare. Unlike people, animals do not have a voice; yet they deserve to be understood and have their rights preserved and advocated for.
“It will therefore be no surprise that animal welfare issues will feature highly on the agenda this year.”
During the last couple of years, the officers have tackled many challenges most notably working hard to secure an extension to the grace period for veterinary medicines.
They also published a manifesto for animals, vets and public health in Northern Ireland ahead of the 2022 Assembly election.
While no Executive has been formed, they continued to engage MLAs, government officials and other stakeholders.
Officers also continued to engage with the Government on the Northern Ireland Protocol, an issue which will continue to be a priority in the months to come.
Esther said: “I would like to both thank and congratulate Fiona on a very productive year as President. I would also like to thank Dr Mark Little for his support and wisdom.
“I am grateful to them both for their kindness and the way they have prepared me for the year ahead”.
BVA President Malcolm Morley congratulated Esther on her appointment as President. He said: “Esther’s years of experience and dedication to the veterinary profession means she is a real asset to both BVA and NIVA.
“There are challenging times ahead as we continue to resolve many of the issues still arising from Brexit.
“Esther has worked with the officer team in Northern Ireland to campaign and lobby for the issues that matter most to vets in Northern Ireland and there is more work still required to protect the future supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, but I know she is going to make a real difference and achieve great things.”
Esther will be joined on the officer team of both associations by new junior vice president and fellow NIVA council member Sharon Verner.
For more information about BVA Northern Ireland Branch, please visit the BVA website.
