The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, League Against Cruel Sports and the National Anti-Vivisection Society joined the SSPV in holding a formal dinner in July 1979 to honour Lord Houghton and announced the establishment of the award in his name.

Lord Houghton with award certificate

The award was to be presented annually by each society in turn, the first was given out in 1980 at the BUAV AGM. Anyone could receive the award as long as they weren’t paid officials or members of the executive committees or councils of the groups. It would be presented to a recipient who had in some way given outstanding service to that Society and animal welfare during the year or over a period of years.

Image: Lord Houghton presenting the award to Mrs Betty Herring Of Beauty without Cruelty and the Lothian Cat Rescue Trust in 1984.

(Photo © OneKind)