The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) salutes Dr. Clara Mason, a solo ambulatory practitioner in Winfield, W. Va., as recipient of the grand prize 2019 Good Works for Horses Award.

Dr. Mason is honored for her commitment to at-risk horses in West Virginia by way of strengthened animal cruelty laws and increased enforcement in the state. She will be recognized Dec. 8 during the Opening Session at the AAEP’s 65th Annual Convention in Denver, Colo. Dr. Mason will receive complimentary registration and a stipend to support travel to the meeting. In addition, the Roane Co. Shelter in Spencer, W. Va., will receive a $500 donation in Dr. Mason’s name.

Throughout 2019, the Good Works for Horses Campaign highlighted selfless acts of service performed by AAEP members. Horse owners and veterinary professionals were encouraged to nominate AAEP members throughout the year for monthly recognition. Nine veterinarians were selected for monthly honors, and their stories were featured on the AAEP website, monthly newsletter, biweekly e-newsletter and Facebook page. To discover the Good Works of these AAEP veterinarians, visit aaep.org/horse-owners/good-works-horses.

Dr. Mason, the August honoree, worked with state legislators to enact more stringent animal cruelty laws before turning her attention to enforcement. She began educating sheriff’s department in her region, serving as a guest speaker for equine rescue organizations that host educational events for law enforcement, assisting on-site with cruelty cases and appearing in court to aid with prosecution.

Her nominator, Tinia Creamer, founder and executive director of Heart of Phoenix Rescue, lauded Dr. Mason’s extensive record of aiding area officials with equine neglect and cruelty cases. “Her expertise has proven vital time and again to gaining justice for horses across West Virginia.”

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

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