AN ANIMAL welfare campaigner held a virtual talk with Moreton Morrell College students.
Marc Abraham, more commonly known as ‘Marc the Vet’, held an open conversation session with the students who had the chance to ask him questions about his campaigning work in the UK.
The veterinary surgeon turned broadcaster and author is best known for his work on Lucy’s Law – the culmination of a 10-year campaign. The legislation banned third-party puppy selling and spells the end for puppy farming in the UK.
Sarah Kettle, who is studying for a degree in Canine Therapy and Rehabilitation, said it was an incredible opportunity to speak with one of the most well-known figures in the veterinary profession.
She said: “It was really interesting. It was quite an informal chat and Marc answered all the questions we had.
“The session was inspirational and motivating to hear how he has got to where he is now. He was very modest but you can see he put himself in uncomfortable situations to grow.
“I hadn’t considered campaigning but the session has opened my eyes to it.”
Marc is also the founder and secretariat of the All Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group.
He and his team have now turned their attention to banning the exploitative import of young puppies for sale in the UK. The petition is already over 120,000 signatures and is expected to be discussed in parliament in the new year.
Marc said: “It was lovely to chat with the students for a couple of hours. We wanted it to be as interactive as possible and I was very impressed with the knowledge the students already have at a young age.
“They posed some very relevant and intelligent questions. I loved the way they were thinking because they were already looking to come up with solutions to animal welfare issues.
“I’m really keen to share with others what you can achieve with the tools that are out there you and that you don’t need a background in politics and law to make a difference.
“I’m hoping to return to speak with them again in six months. Hopefully the session will inspire some of them to pick up the campaigning baton and it was a pleasure to meet with them all.”
Course leader Helen Coleman called Marc’s enthusiasm for animal welfare ‘infectious and motivating’.
She added: “Thank you to the students who joined the live chat, they made the experience even more enjoyable by asking some really interesting and thought provoking questions, which Marc was more than happy to answer.”
Visit www.marcthevet.com for more information on Marc’s campaign work.
