Mobility Aids for Disabled Animals Award

A scientist from Salford University, Dr. Glynn Heath, who has pioneered the design and build of dozens of mobility aids for disabled animals including a wheelchair-like-chariot for a rat and false legs for dogs, horses and even mice, has been shortlisted for the Times Higher Awards 2007.

The former zoologist, who now specialises in prosthetics and orthotics (false limbs and external supports) at Salford University's School of Health Care Professions, has set up a spin-off company – Lacerta Rehabilitation Ltd – which provides a service tailor-made for animals that have mobility problems. It is the first of its kind in the world.

The company has been shortlisted in the Contribution to Innovation and Technology category of the Times Higher Awards.

Currently only available via referrals from veterinary clinics, Dr. Heath hopes that, one day, the service will be available as a walk-in clinic to the general public and their pets.

Dr Heath says that beyond the obvious benefits of improving the lives of pets, his service will preserve gene pools that may be used to support breeding programmes for animals such as race horses.

He adds:

"Greater publicity of the service may change the veterinary practice of amputation at the hip or shoulder, which leaves no room for a prosthesis."

The winners will be announced at an Awards dinner, at Grosvenor House, London, on 29 November 2007.