AVC’s 2016 Atlantic Award of Excellence awarded to Dr. Alice Crook
Dr. Alice Crook, coordinator of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre (SJDAWC) at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), is the recipient of the College’s 2016 Atlantic Award of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care.
Dr. Greg Keefe, dean of AVC, presented Dr. Crook with the award at the College’s All-Years Alumni Reunion in July. She was nominated for the award by Dr. Ian Dohoo, professor emeritus of epidemiology.
Dr. Crook has been a driving force for animal welfare on PEI, in the Atlantic region, and across Canada. She has been instrumental in the development, management, and growth of the SJDAWC since taking on the role of coordinator in 1994.
She has played a prominent role on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) animal welfare committee, including as chair of the overall committee and of the small animal sub-committee. She was instrumental in the development of information for veterinarians about the identification and handling of animal abuse, and currently serves as the CVMA spokesperson on this topic.
Dr. Crook co-led a group that developed codes of practice for kennels and catteries, which have had a direct impact on provincial animal welfare legislation. The committee contributed to the adoption of restrictions on cosmetic surgery for animals by many provincial veterinary medical associations, including PEI. She played a crucial role in ensuring that the PEI Veterinary Medical Association’s (VMA) bylaw banning cosmetic surgery was approved by the provincial government. She also was a leader in the development of PEI’s recently approved Animal Welfare Act.
Among other things, she teaches animal welfare courses to veterinary students at AVC; provides information about animal welfare to veterinarians, students, government, and members of the public; publishes and co-publishes academic and general-knowledge papers and presentations on animal welfare; and serves on organizations in this field.
Jost Am Rhyn, executive director of the CVMA, wrote in support of Dr. Crook’s nomination: “Dr. Alice Crook is a driven and passionate leader in the animal welfare community in Canada, one who never gives up in the pursuit for animal health and welfare. … She has fought for over a decade on CVMA’s behalf for change in animal cruelty legislation. …[I]t has been both a privilege and a pleasure to have worked with her over the past fifteen years.”
Brian Matheson, director of policy and agriculture resources, PEI Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, worked with Dr. Crook on the development of the province’s new animal welfare legislation: “Dr. Crook’s vast knowledge of and dedication to
implementing sound animal welfare practices, and her ability to tactfully yet assertively ensure the welfare of animals, was always at the forefront of any legislative discussion proved invaluable in the development of the new act and regulations. …[S]he has always exemplified the veterinary profession with the highest level of integrity, passion, and humility.”
Dr. Crook has received numerous awards for her dedication to animal welfare, including the 2013 PEI Veterinary Medical Association Leadership Award and the 2009 CVMA President’s Award.
