International animal welfare award for Heydon veterinary nurse
Heydon resident Miranda Luck RVN has been recognised for excellence in the international animal welfare sector by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Registered veterinary nurse Miranda Luck at home with her cats. Photo: submitted
In an announcement this week of the winners of the annual honours and awards, the RCVS International Award, first bestowed in 2017, recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses or laypeople who have worked internationally, from either within or outside the UK.
After many years in practice, Ms Luck set up her own business – Miranda Luck & Associates – in 2007 and now provides services to improve animal welfare worldwide from her home in Heydon.
Working with organisations like the RSPCA, she offers training and hands-on shelter management in countries as varied as Costa Rica, Latvia, Poland, the UAE, South Korea, Japan and Greece.
As an international animal welfare consultant, she has specific interests in improving trap-neuter-release practices and the plight of feral and non-pet cats held long term in shelters.
Other activities include campaigning on fear-free handling and the development of humane animal handling equipment, including the revolutionary Wrapsio – a scratch-proof calming blanket for the gentle restraint of cats.
On receiving the news of the award, Ms Luck said: “Thank you so very much to the RCVS council for this amazing accolade. I am truly honoured and humbled. I am so fortunate to have people who believe in me and my work and support me on this fantastic journey.”
She was nominated by Kay Gibbins, managing director of MDC Exports, a manufacturer of animal handling equipment, who first met Ms Luck at an animal welfare conference more than 10 years ago.
Ms Gibbons said: “As an experienced veterinary nurse and educator, Miranda introduces shelter medicine and humane handling to many organisations worldwide. Veterinary clinics, animal rescue and rehoming, pounds and stray and feral populations have benefited from Miranda’s hands-on help, training and mentorship.”
Restricted from travelling during the pandemic, Ms Luck attributes her continued passion and enthusiasm for animal welfare to time spent in rural Norfolk surrounded by nature and wildlife.
The awards ceremony will take place in London in July.