WPA Honors Internationally Renowned Animal Behaviorist

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The World Pet Association  honors Dr. Roger Mugford as 2015’s Matsui Award recipient.

A three-minute video recognizing Dr. Mugford’s dedication to improving the lives of animals and his contribution to the pet industry will preface Dr. Mugford receiving the Matsui Award on stage. The band Heart, including Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Ann and Nancy Wilson, will perform to a sold out audience following the presentation.

As Britain’s led animal psychologist and a pioneer in behavioral therapy, Dr. Mugford’s career has led him to train the Queen’s corgis and speak on behalf of animal welfare in courts across the world.

“Everything Roger does puts the welfare of the animal first. His life is dedicated to making pets’ lives better through positive reinforcement and strengthening the human-animal bond,” said Michael Lasky, former WPA chairman and current board member. “This is directly reflected in his training and his products.”

Dr. Mugford is a prolific author, educator and animal welfare advocate. In 1979, he founded The Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey, U.K., a referral service for veterinary surgeons and their clients with problem pets. That same year, he founded The Company of Animals brand where he invented and developed a range of products that have revolutionized the way people train their pets. The HALTI head collar and Pet Corrector auditory training tool are among his exemplary products.

Dr. Mugford is also a Dogs For The Disabled patron, Cancer & Bio-detection Dogs trustee and 2005’s Blue Cross Welfare Award recipient. Proud to maintain a link with his Devonshire farming heritage, he resides at Ruxbury Farm where he personally cares for a herd of 70 purebred South Devon cattle, 100 sheep, horses, llamas and more.

“Roger continues to make significant contributions to the betterment of pets all over the world and we cannot think of a more deserving individual to receive the WPA Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Lasky. “His interests in the pet industry are for the pets themselves. He’s a trainer and behaviorist first, and a product developer out of necessity; as such, his products are regarded as the most humane and effective available.”

The ceremony will take place at SuperZoo, July 22 at 6:15 p.m at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues.