The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Welfare Award 2013, sponsored by Blue Cross, has been presented to Professor AM ‘Mac’ Johnston in recognition of his long-standing commitment to mentoring and supporting vets working in the remote Scottish Highlands, helping to improve the welfare of horses in the region. 
Professor AM ‘Mac’ Johnston receives The Blue Cross Equine Welfare Award from Blue Cross Director of External Affairs, Steve Goody. Photo credit: David Boughey.
Mac Johnston was a lecturer in equine medicine at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for many years. Living in the Scottish Highlands and commuting to the RVC in London, Mac provided much needed expert help to local people and vets. Since retiring, he has continued to share his knowledge and guidance by working in the community mentoring younger vets and dealing with difficult cases. Mac is a widely published author and a renowned authority in public health.
The award, which was introduced by BEVA in conjunction with the leading pet charity in 2000, is a formal recognition of significant contributions made by veterinary surgeons and others to horse welfare. It was presented to Professor Johnston at the 52nd BEVA Annual Congress in Liverpool on Thursday 12th September 2013 by Blue Cross Director of External Affairs, Steve Goody.
Steve said: “Mac Johnston has shown unparalleled commitment to the support and advancement of horse veterinary education and welfare, both at local and national levels. His tireless endeavour makes him a very worthy recipient of this award. I have great pleasure in presenting it and offer many congratulations.”
Blue Cross has been dedicated to helping sick, injured and abandoned pets for over 100 years. It opened the world’s first animal hospital in 1906 to care for working horses on the streets of London and since then its doors have never closed to sick and homeless animals. Funded entirely by public donations, today the charity rehabilitates and rehomes over a hundred horses and ponies every year at its horse centres in Burford (Oxon) and Rolleston-on-Dove (Staffordshire).