Céad Míle Fáilte

The scientific programme is now available!  It covers a range of species from the hard working dairy cow to free ranging kangaroos. The programme will start with the D.G.M. Wood Gush Memorial Lecture by Dr Françoise Wemelsfelder entitled 'Curiosity, Sentience, Integrity  - why recognising the whole animal matters'.

A new feature of this year's congress is the workshops.  The objective is to enable more discussion between delegates. There will be between three and six short presentations per workshop followed by a chaired discussion. To ensure your first preference for a workshop, register early.

A number of excursions are planned for the afternoon of Thursday 8 August. You can learn about the practical aspects of animal welfare inspections conducted by the European Commission's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), see the new 'state of the art' elephant facility at Dublin Zoo, or visit the atmospheric megalithic passage tombs at New Grange and Knowth. In addition there are two excursions for horse-lovers - the International Horse Show and the National Stud (and Japanese Gardens).

The highlight of the social programme is the Gala Dinner, 'A Taste of Ireland', which will be held at the historic surroundings of Trinity College Dublin.  It is an all-inclusive event, with a magnificent selection of dishes from the buffet, free bar, Irish music and dancing.

We would look forward to welcoming you to Dublin!

Alison Hanlon, Laura Boyle and Niamh O'Connell