Professor Heather Bacon OBE is a veterinarian and internationally recognised animal welfare specialist with over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, education, research, and animal welfare advocacy. A graduate of the University of Bristol, she holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and is Professor of Clinical Animal Welfare and Founding Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Lancashire, UK. Her career has included leadership roles in international animal welfare organisations, including serving as Veterinary Director of Animals Asia Foundation and co-founding the International Centre for Animal Welfare Education at the University of Edinburgh. Her work has focused on improving animal welfare standards, veterinary education, and the care of domestic and wild animals across different regions of the world.

Heather has made significant contributions to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), serving as Chair of its Animal Welfare Committee and contributing to the development of the WSAVA Animal Welfare Guidelines. She also serves as a UK Government-appointed zoo inspector and holds several advisory and trustee roles in animal welfare organisations. In recognition of her contributions to animal welfare, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2021 and has received several prestigious veterinary awards. Her commitment to education, international collaboration, and evidence-based animal welfare continues to support the advancement of veterinary standards and animal wellbeing worldwide.