Published 24/07/2017

We are delighted Joyce D’Silva, our former Chief Executive and current Ambassdor Emirtus, has recently received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Keele.

Making the world a better place for animals and people

The degree was presented by Keele University’s Vice Chancellor, Trevor McMillan on behalf of the Chancellor Jonathon Porritt. This accolade was awarded to Joyce in recognition of her services to animal welfare, and her dedication to making the world a better place for animals and people alike.

In her acceptance speech, Joyce said: “I feel such a fortunate person to have been able to work for an organisation that does such life-changing work, because Compassion in World Farming’s campaigns have literally changed - and are still changing - the way farm animals are treated and the quality of their lives.

“Globally, over 70 billion animals are slaughtered for food every year, so it is going to be a tough job to see recognition of animal sentience put into practice, but it’s something which Compassion is now committed to achieving at UN level.”

This is the second Honorary Doctorate Joyce has been awarded, after Winchester University recognised her achievements for animal welfare in 2015.

Dedication to animal welfare

Joyce was one of seven distinguished individuals from the fields of sport, medicine, education, business and philanthropy to be awarded honorary degrees at Keele during the University’s graduation ceremony this month.

Our CEO, Philip Lymbery, welcomed the news on behalf of all of Compassion’s supporters, saying: “We are enormously proud that Joyce’s dedication to animal welfare is being recognised by Keele University. Two years ago, I was thrilled to see Joyce being presented an honorary doctorate from the University of Winchester.

“Joyce has worked tirelessly for farm animals over more than three decades.. I’m sure all our supporters will join me in congratulating her.”

Well-known environmentalist and Chancellor of Keele University, Jonathon Porritt, will be speaking at our Extinction and Livestock conference in October.

You hear more from Joyce on her achievement here.