Dr Hugh Wirth, President of RSPCA Australia, is one of Australia's most well-known and respected animal advocates.

Born 9 September 1939 in Melbourne, Dr Wirth has long been a campaigner for animal welfare.

He became a veterinarian in 1964 and has since practiced in Melbourne, where he is now the principal Veterinarian for the Balwyn Veterinary Practice.

Dr Wirth has been a council member for RSPCA Victoria since 1969 and has been President since 1972. Dr Wirth's involvement with RSPCA Australia has been ongoing since 1980 and he was the organisations founding President.

In addition to his work with RSPCA, Dr Wirth has also been involved with WSPA (World Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and was appointed as the international organisation's President in 2004.

This experience has lead to his involvement with countless committees relating to animal welfare and is RSPCA's representative for many government advisory boards.

Dr Wirth has been a consultant on many issues from live exports to the education of children.

He has also written much on the welfare of animals, including his own books, 'Living with Cats' (1997), and 'Living with Dogs' (1996).

Dr Wirth has received many awards for his commitment to and involvement in the protection of animals. These include, The Centenary of Federation medal (2003), Honorary Doctorate of Veterinary Science through University of Melbourne (2001), the only non-American to receive the George T Angell Humanitarian Award (1998), the Order of Australia (85), Advance Australia Award (88) and many more.

In addition to all of this, Dr Wirth has also been on radio for over 20 years. You can hear him on ABC 774 Melbourne every second Saturday discussing all topics related to animals.

www.rspca.org.au