William Anderson wins inagural PRCA Veterinarian of the Year

LAS VEGAS – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is proud to announce the winner of the 2010 “PRCA Veterinarian of the Year Award” presented by Purina. Dr. William Anderson of Haltom City, TX, was recognized at the PRCA Contract Personnel Banquet on Dec. 1 in Las Vegas and was also honored Dec. 4 at the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The award was created to recognize dedication to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock by veterinarians across the country. It was made possible by a new partnership with Purina Mills to sponsor the award.

“Purina greatly appreciates the opportunity to partner with the PRCA in honoring the nominees and their dedication to the care and welfare of all animals, and in particular, rodeo livestock,” said Dr. Randel Raub with Purina.

The other finalists for the award were Charles Graham, DVM, Elgin, TX; Ben Konishi, DVM, Alamosa, CO; Norm Swanson, DVM, Cheyenne, WY, and Gregg Veneklasen, DVM, Canyon, TX.

“All of the nominations were of exceptional quality, absolutely outstanding and that made it very difficult to make a decision,” stated Doug Corey, DVM, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer and Chairman of the PRCA Animal Welfare Committee. “It makes me proud to be associated with the PRCA and to know that contestants, committees, stock contractors, judges and others think so highly of the veterinarians they work with.”

“We all work for the welfare of the animals,” Dr. Anderson said. “That’s the bottom line. We are there to assure a great pen of healthy animal athletes.”