Award recognizes outstanding contributions to advancing animal welfare in Canada

September 17, 2026 – Dr. Kathryn (Katy) Proudfoot of the University of Prince Edward Island is the recipient of the 2026 Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award for her pioneering work in improving bovine welfare in cattle production and research systems. Through her leadership in research, teaching and extension, Dr. Proudfoot has widely contributed to advancements in animal welfare across the Canadian and global dairy industry.

The Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award is presented annually by the Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc. Dr. Proudfoot was announced as the winner at the Annual General Meeting of the CABV/ACVB held virtually on Sept. 16, 2026.

“The CABV/ACVB extends its congratulations to Dr. Kathryn Proudfoot,” said Dr. Rob Tremblay, President of the CABV/ACVB. “Throughout her career, Dr. Proudfoot has demonstrated a firm commitment to farm animal welfare. We are delighted to see Katy's name added to the list of other worthy recipients of the Metacam Bovine Welfare Award."

Dr. Proudfoot is a Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and Director of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College. An internationally recognized researcher in animal and dairy cattle welfare, her work has advanced understanding of maternal behaviour, the links between stress, behaviour and health, and welfare improvements for surplus dairy calves. She also contributes her expertise to leading scientific journals, conferences and industry forums, while mentoring the next generation of veterinarians and animal welfare professionals.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Metacam Bovine Welfare Award. Improving the lives of dairy cattle has always been at the heart of my research, and I’m especially grateful to the many students and mentors who have contributed to this work along the way," said Dr. Proudfoot. "I’m delighted that this award recognizes and celebrates the importance of research dedicated to improving the welfare of cattle."

In support of her award nomination, John VanLeeuwen, D.V.M, M.Sc., Ph.D., Professor of Epidemiology and Ruminant Health Management at Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, said Dr. Proudfoot is a strong leader and advocate for animal welfare.

“It is clear that Dr. Proudfoot’s activities demonstrate work with a variety of stakeholders to raise awareness of bovine welfare issues of concern and engage those stakeholders in seeking solutions to challenges,” said Dr. VanLeeuwen. “She is an extremely hard worker, who is willing to take on an animal welfare challenge with courage and integrity.”

Jacques Bouthillette, Business Unit Director, Bovine with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada, explained the Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award recognizes and encourages those who research and work to advance animal welfare and well-being.

“Congratulations to Dr. Proudfoot for her tremendous contributions to the advancement of bovine welfare in Canada and around the world,” said Bouthillette. “Her unwavering efforts to improve understanding of bovine welfare has been instrumental in shaping attitudes and behaviour to promote responsible animal stewardship and welfare outcomes.”

Bouthillette thanked the CABV/ACVB for its work to seek nominations and select the recipient of the award.

About CABV/ACVB  

The Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) represents approximately 800 veterinarians from across Canada who have a specific interest in bovine health and production medicine. The Board is composed of twelve members who are also representatives on the Boards of Canada’s four regional bovine associations: Atlantic Bovine Practitioners Association (ABPA), l'Association des Médecins Vétérinaires Praticiens du Québec (AMVPQ), Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) and the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP). 

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.  

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca. 

Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business  

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca/animal-health.  

About the Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award 

The Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award is given annually to a DVM or animal scientist working in Canada, a faculty member or a graduate student of a Canadian university to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy. By doing so, the CABV/ACVB hopes to raise public awareness of the important role veterinarians and animal scientists play in: 

• Improving bovine welfare in cattle production and research systems 

• Improving scientific methods of measuring bovine welfare 

Metacam^® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. 

Past Metacam 20 Bovine Welfare Award Recipients

2025 - Dr. Isabelle Maheu (Quebec)
2024 - Dr. Diego Moya (Saskatchewan)
2023 - Dr. Charlotte Winder (Ontario)
2022 - Dr. Karen Schartzkopf-Genswein (Alberta)
2021 - Dr. Trevor DeVries (Ontario)
2020 - Dr. Karin Orsel (Alberta)
2019 - Dr. André Desrochers (Quebec)
2018 - Dr. Todd Duffield (Ontario)
2017 - Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed (Alberta)
2016 - Dr. Ken Leslie (Ontario)
2015 - Dr. Ed Pajor (Alberta)
2014 - Dr. Joseph Stookey (Saskatchewan)
2013 - Drs. Marina von Keyserlingk and Dan Weary (British Columbia)
2012 - Dr. Neil Anderson (Ontario)