College congratulates vets receiving recognition in King Charles’ inaugural Birthday Honours List

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is congratulating two veterinary surgeons who have become Officers of the British Empire (OBEs) in King Charles III’s inaugural Birthday Honours List.

Dr Navaratnam Partheeban MRCVS, known as Theeb, is the co-founder of the British Veterinary Ethnicity & Diversity Society (BVEDS) and was recognised for his contribution to inclusion in the veterinary and farming sectors. As the BVEDS representative on the RCVS Diversity & Inclusion Group, Theeb has been actively involved in College projects such as the RCVS Diversity & Inclusion Strategy.

Major Roly Owers MRCVS is Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, an international charity that works with horses, horse owners, communities, organisations and governments to help improve welfare standards and stamp out suffering in the UK and worldwide. He was recognised for his charitable services to equine welfare in the UK and abroad.

In addition to the two veterinary surgeons, John Millward, Head of the Inspections and Enforcement Division at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, was also recognised for his contribution to animal health and welfare, while Claire Bessant, formerly Chief Executive of International Cat Care, was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her contribution to cat welfare.

RCVS President, Dr Melissa Donald MRCVS, commented: “Many congratulations to Theeb and Roly, not only for this amazing personal achievement, but also for showcasing our small but mighty profession to the wider public. They demonstrate the fact that people in our profession contain multitudes and contribute a great deal to wider society, both here and abroad.

“Also well done to John and Claire on their honours, we work very closely with the VMD and John in particular on matters of relating to the Code of Professional Conduct, its supporting guidance and practice regulation, so it is fantastic to see such a dedicated civil servant being recognised in this way. Likewise, we worked closely with Claire during her time at the ICC on a variety of matters including the launch of the Practice Standards Scheme and a special day about the history of cats and veterinary care in 2016 hosted by our then President Bradley Viner, so are delighted in her success.”