December 2, 2010–The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is proud to announce the winner of the 2010 PRCA Veterinarian of the Year Award presented by Purina. Dr. William Anderson of Haltom City, Texas, was recognized at the PRCA Contract Personnel Banquet on Dec. 1 in Las Vegas and also will be 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, Texas; Ben Konishi, DVM, Alamosa, Colorado; Norm Swanson, DVM, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Gregg Veneklasen, DVM, Canyon, Texas.
“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.”
Dr. Anderson has been affiliated with the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth for more than four decades, serving as the Official Rodeo Veterinarian for 30 years.
His experience with the rodeo started in 1965 when he assisted his father, Dr. Dan Anderson, who served as the rodeo veterinarian from 1965 to 1980. In 1980, he assumed the title of official rodeo veterinarian and has donated countless hours insuring the livestock at the rodeo has the best care possible. He spends more than three weeks away from his mixed animal practice to be on-site at the Fort Worth rodeo.
In addition, Dr. Anderson serves on both the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show. His other civic activities include serving as the official veterinarian of the Fort Worth Mounted Police Patrol and the veterinarian and consultant to the iconic Fort Worth Herd ? the majestic herd of longhorn steers that are on display in the historic Stockyards. He is an advisory board member to Tarrant County Collect and a Board Member for Allied Bank Corp.
Jim Gay of Rafter G Rodeo Company stated, “Dr. Anderson is always available with his expertise of the large animals, both horses and bulls. I know there are a lot of unsung heroes out there, but there is none more deserving of this award.”
