The Links Group team have been on the road again this week. We joined our colleagues at Wrexham University for a two-day multidisciplinary conference exploring the links between animal and human abuse. We are grateful to all the team at Wrexham University who have worked tirelessly over the last year to plan this event, which brought together individuals working across sectors that support both animals and people within our communities.
We first had this idea at BSAVA Congress in Manchester in 2025, thanks to a chance meeting with animal welfare and veterinary nursing lecturers at our stand in the exhibition. Talking about our multi-disciplinary Links Veterinary Training Initiative days, which are supported by BSAVA, naturally led on to the scope of other undergraduate courses provided at Wrexham University, such as law, criminology & policing; nursing & allied health; psychology & counselling; social & community work, and more.
Members of the team joined us at our Leicester LVTI day last November, where they met trustees of The Links Group and BSAVA President Julian Hoad, and the plan grew from there. Fast forward a few months, and we are getting ready to travel to Wrexham next week for two days of presentations and in-depth streamed sessions.
Day 1 featured speakers from a range of professional backgrounds, sharing current perspectives on the relationship between human–animal interactions and their implications for both animal and human welfare. The day also included opportunities for discussion and shared learning with colleagues from across sectors. Speakers on this day included The Links Group and friends: Paula Boyden, Mary Wakeham, Rebecca Stephens and Andrea Lynch, Jacqui Kilburn, domestic abuse consultant, Jason Fletcher, Principal Prosecutions Case Manager at the RSPCA, and Mark Randell of Naturewatch.
Day 2 offered presentations and discussions in two specialist streams; Veterinary Teams, Animal Welfare and Policing; and Human Services and Safeguarding. We were joined by Emily Mills RVN, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust, and Detective Sergeant Mike Taggart MBE of North Wales Police. Mike is also a White Ribbon UK trustee, ambassador, and (as of this week!) Vice-Chair. He shared his personal story in a powerful session, and provided some helpful pointers on sharing information.
We are delighted to have been a part of this great event. Huge thanks to all the team at Wrexham University for making it happen, and roll on next year!
