Jeanne founded the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust in 1986 in memory of her late husband. Through the Trust she has supported many animal welfare projects and organizations, not only in the UK, but throughout the world, including the veterinary care and treatment of animals in developing countries, re-homing programmes for companion animals, the care, protection and rehabilitation of wildlife and educational and campaigning work against the inhumane treatment of animals. In 2010, the University of Edinburgh awarded Jeanne the Honorary Degree of Doctor honoris causa,
“in recognition of her outstanding global contribution
to animal welfare and animal welfare education”.
For the R(D)SVS, Jeanne will be best known for her generous and forward thinking support in funding the establishment of the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for animal welfare education. Her vision was that the Centre would form an integral part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (RDSVS) creating a focal point for animal welfare education across the globe, collaborating with international partners to improve understanding of animal welfare issues and engaging with politicians, governments and professional organisations with the aim of improving animal welfare and promoting alternatives to the use of animals in education and research.
In an interview following the official opening of the Centre in May 2011, Jeanne said, "Vets are at the core of safeguarding animal welfare and through the Centre, they will be provided with the skills necessary to enable their voices to be heard in order to ensure that animals across the world are free from distress, suffering and hunger." Indeed Jeanne’s passion for animals and tireless work towards improving their welfare will be missed by all who knew her, but we can take comfort in knowing that she was proud of the work achieved since the establishment of the Animal Welfare Centre at the Dick Vet, and she regarded it as her lasting legacy.
The Principal of the University, Sir Timothy O’Shea, has asked that flags be flown at half-mast across the University on Friday, the day of Madame Marchig’s funeral.
Professor David Argyle, Head of School said “Madame Jeanne Marchig was an important figure in global animal welfare and her legacy will be one of improved education and training around the world. We were proud to partner with the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust to open the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education and its work will continue to make a difference across the world”.
Professor Nat Waran, Director of the Jeanne Marchig International Animal Welfare Centre at the Dick Vet said “We will miss Jeanne and her unwavering passion for improving the lives of animals through her many projects, but we are proud to have been trusted to continue her work through the international animal welfare centre, inspired by Jeanne's vision to improve the quality of life for all animals through education, training and by influencing policy at the highest level.“
More information about the centre can be found at:
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