The event recognised the global reach of the veterinary community and its place in developing and enforcing animal welfare legislation.

“The skills, knowledge and compassion of the veterinary team place us in a unique position in society and we should never be afraid to speak out on animal welfare issue,” said British Veterinary Association President Robin Hargreaves.

“Closer to home animal welfare has been high on the agenda at BVA in recent months," he added.

"There has been much focus on issues from non-stun slaughter to the humaneness of the badger cull pilots, from the illegal trade in puppies to the keeping of exotic animals as pets.”