Dr Susan Bell

COMMITTEE MEMBER

While volunteering on veterinary campaigns in Tanzania, I was absolutely blown away by the dedication and selflessness of the people who work so tirelessly to support the work of Four Steps to Freedom. Every one of the volunteers, from those who fundraise at home, to those who are there working on the ground in Tanzania, make such a difference to the animals and people of Tanzania. In these areas where rabies is a real risk, particularly to children, people are very rightly, scared of rabies and the animals who can transmit this fatal disease.

I have seen the difference that can be made by education for the local communities, starting with the children in schools, educating them on safety around animals, campaigns of rabies vaccines and humane dog and cat population control. Medical care for people in too many areas is simply not available and even when it is, the financial cost of even basic care is often totally prohibitive. As a vet, I believe passionately that if we start with the animals, the rest will follow. Improving animal welfare, rabies vaccination, controlling dog and cat populations, and education to prevent rabies bites in the first place are the safest, most effective and achievable routes to ending rabies in Tanzania.

I am so honoured to officially become part of the Four Steps to Freedom family, and the first vet on the committee! The enthusiasm and drive, articularly of Founder, Phyllis is truly inspirational and infectious (in a good way)!! I am very much looking forward to travelling again to Tanzania to continue my commitment to the Animalia Mafia Island project (supported by FSTF), and the Gongo Veterinary Centre (funded by FSTF) and hopefully volunteer as a vet on many other projects in the future.

After completing a science honours degree at The University of Glasgow, I went on to vet school at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, graduating in 2005. After a few years in mixed practice, and a couple of stints in the North of England, I have mainly worked in small animal practice in Fife, where I gained my certificate in ophthalmology. Most recently, I have worked as a locum for select practices in Fife and Angus, which has given me the freedom I need to volunteer as a vet in Tanzania, and also with other charities at home. I live with my husband and 3 very much adored dogs in rural North-East Fife. I am definitely a water baby and have had a lot of fun completing dive training on the Isle of Arran, and exploring underwater on holidays.