Our Advocacy Policy Advisor, Hana Smith, summarised Sean Wensley’s keynote speech which took place in the afternoon of Thursday 27 July at the 2023 Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin.

Through a Veterinarian’s Eyes: Securing Well-Being for Animals, People and Planet 

Dr. Sean Wensley is a Senior Veterinarian for Animal Welfare and Professional Engagement at the UK veterinary charity, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). He is also a former President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) – where its first ever female President, Dr Mary Brancker CBE, was herself a Soroptimist! 

Sean previously served as Chair of the Animal Welfare Working Group on the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), which represents veterinary associations from 40 European countries. 

As the author of his own book entitled “Through a Vet’s Eyes”, Sean discussed the links between animal abuse and human abuse. 

He explained instances where sometimes violence is practiced on animals before it is practiced on humans. Reported incidents have also proven that children that are abusive to animals have often been abused themselves; and in other cases, family violence may be present. This demonstrates the powerful connections between animals and humans. 

He calls on us to step into the animals’ world and treat animals with the respect and dignity that we would treat a human. 

Sean also illustrated how animal welfare is linked to the SDGs, for example, zero hunger, climate action, peace and justice, and health and well-being. Progress is being made at the UN, where animal welfare is now recognised as an issue. 

Notably, women are key to this progress. Approximately 60% of practicing vets in the UK are women, and this figure is comparable elsewhere in the world.