Nominations are now open for Ceva’s 2017 Animal Welfare Awards, which will once again celebrate the achievements of remarkable people from the farming, veterinary and charity industries.

Nominated by their peers and the general public, the farming category welcomes people from all areas of the farming industry, all ages and from anywhere in the world.

The Farm Animal Welfare Award, which is run in association with RABI and NADIS, is now in its third year. It is a hotly contested category, attracting many entries from the entire industry. Last year’s winner was Ruth Clements from FAI Farms, who impressed the judges with her pioneering work dedicated to eradicating lameness in sheep in the UK and her contribution to farm animal welfare strategies.

Since the first Ceva Awards in 2010 hundreds of people have been nominated, with the winners whittled down by a panel of esteemed judges including Christopher Laurence and Anthony Andrews. This year’s winners and runners up will be honoured at a glittering ceremony taking place on the eve of British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress on April 5, 2017.

Ceva managing director Cuneyt Seckin said: “We really have been awed and humbled by the nominations for Ceva’s Animal Welfare Awards over the past seven years and we expect this year to be no exception.

“The lengths to which some wonderful people go to ensure the health and happiness of animals across the world really knows no bounds. Not only do the awards champion people involved in animal welfare, but they also raise awareness of this important work to wider audiences.”

The categories aim to cover all industries involved in animal welfare. For 2017 the categories are:

• Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award in association with Veterinary Times.

Recognises a veterinary surgeon working in practice who educates pet owners and consistently demonstrates a commitment to the continued improvement of animal welfare standards.

• The VN Times Welfare Nurse of the Year Award in association with VN Times.

Honours a working veterinary nurse who has shown a real commitment to improving and championing excellent animal welfare within their practice.

• Charity Professional of the Year Award (UK & International) in association with PDSA.

Someone who works within a charity organisation and consistently performs to the best of their ability, with the single minded goal of helping save and improve the lives of animals in need.

• Charity Team of the Year Award (UK & International) in association with Your Cat and Your Dog magazines.

Recognises an awe-inspiring team whose drive and passionate dedication has changed the lives of animals for the better, by tirelessly promoting and championing their cause.

• Volunteer of the Year Welfare Award (UK & International) in association with Blue Cross.

Celebrates an individual whose dedication and tenacity has helped improve animal welfare and who, in their own free time, goes above and beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of animals either in the UK or Internationally.

• Farm Animal Welfare Award (UK & International) in association with RABI and NADIS.

For someone who works within the farming industry and who strives to provide or encourage high standards of ethical and compassionate farm animal welfare.

• International Cat Care Welfare Award in association with Agria Pet Insurance.

Recognises a volunteer within a feline welfare project, who has contributed to making a sustainable local change through either re-homing, public education, veterinary education, provision of veterinary services or TNR work. International Cat Care will choose the winner of this award from their member base and therefore no general nominations are required.

If there is a farming industry professional that you feel has made a significant contribution to animal welfare, visit cevawelfareawards.com to nominate before January 13.