Published 08/07/2010

Compassion is proud to have the ongoing support of Bill Oddie, as he prepares to host the launch of the Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards at St Paul's Cathedral in July 2010.

Bill Oddie is perhaps best known as an ornithologist, conservationist and wildlife presenter, however he has also worked extensively as a comedy writer, performer, composer and musician.

Whilst studying at Cambridge he wrote television scripts and performed in the West End and on Broadway. In the '60s and '70s he released a number of hit singles and albums, and starred in BBC's "The Goodies".

Compassion for Wildlife

With a passion for wildlife since childhood, he has dedicated more and more of his work to the protection of wildlife and improving animal welfare. This was recognised in 2003 when he was made an OBE for his service to Wildlife Conservation. In 2005, he received the British Naturalists' Association's Peter Scott Memorial Award, from BNA president David Bellamy. Often referred to as Britain's best-loved wildlife presenter, his countless wildlife shows are immensely popular.

Bill's animal welfare work continues to increase. Having been a supporter of Compassion's Chicken Out campaign for many years, we are delighted that Bill will be hosting our 2010 Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards.

In addition to the existing Good Egg Awards these new awards now include the Good Chicken Awards - for companies committed to sourcing only free-range chicken, as well as the Supermarket Award - for the supermarket demonstrating highest farm animal welfare.

Find out more about Bill here >>

"I am proud to work with Compassion who continue to expose the inhumane ways in which animals are farmed in the UK and globally. As a charity they have achieved real results including the ban on barren battery cages for egg laying hens from 2012. I love the idea of the Good Chicken Awards which celebrate industries that only use free-range chicken, may many be awarded in coming years."