Kirsty Withnall, an RSPCA inspector who died in April from cancer, was posthumously awarded the Animal Welfare Award at the National Charity Today Awards last month.
Kirsty, who worked for the RSPCA for 23 years and was a director for the National Equine Welfare Council, dedicated her life to fighting animal cruelty.
She was an RSPCA inspector before becoming a specialist equine officer and then joined the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit which investigates the most serious and organised animal crime.
The 47-year-old helped tackle animal cruelty on a huge scale and was involved in many large multi-agency operations.
She helped rescue more than 100 horses from a farm in Buckinghamshire, led the case into a puppy dealing gang in London who made millions of pounds selling thousands of sick puppies, and coordinated the investigation into an international dog fighting gang that bred, kept and trained dogs for fighting.
Her father, late husband, brother and RSPCA colleagues Acting Head of Special Operations Ian Briggs and Chief Inspector Will Mitchell, attended the ceremony, which took place at Orton Hall Hotel & Spa in Cambridge, to collect the award in her memory.
‘Incredible legacy’
“We’re so proud that Kirsty has been posthumously honoured with this award, it’s certainly well deserved,” said Chief Inspector Will Mitchell.
“She leaves an incredible legacy behind after having such a positive impact on so many animals’ lives. She was an inspiring and fearless investigator and rescuer, and an avid advocate for animal welfare.
“She was also a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend – and we were incredibly privileged to have worked beside her and learn from her compassion and kindness.”
At the event, Kirsty’s family were also presented with the James E. Smith Special Recognition Award. The award is named in memory of Charity Today Awards founder, Lee Rayment’s, grandfather Private James Edward Smith, who was a veteran of the Burma war. The recipient of the award is chosen by Lee himself.
“The James E. Smith Special Recognition Award was presented to Kirsty’s family and colleagues at the RSPCA as a tribute to their dedication in ensuring that Kirsty’s work is remembered and acknowledged publicly today,” said Lee.
Established in 2014, the National Charity Today Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of charities, businesses, and individuals across the UK.
