MDC Exports Ltd. is SNIP International’s preferred equipment manufacturer because of the high quality of its products for humane catching and handling of feral cats and dogs. Melvyn Driver was already working with SNIP International way before any of the current Trustees had even heard about the charity. His company celebrated its 50th anniversary the same year as SNIPi did its 20 years of existence.

From the beginning of the story, Melvyn was interested in learning from the experts, and so he went out trapping feral cats with Celia Hammond in Islington, London. He listened to her and Dr. Jenny Remfry (Veterinarian and former Trustee of SNIP International) as well as Dr. Peter Neville (specialist in ethology and animal welfare) to better grasp the concept of TNR (trap-neuter-return) in which they were amongst the pioneers. Melvyn then began developing his first cat trap, whilst continuing to consult these experts throughout the process, with the goal of developing humane animal handling equipment.

2014-1 ICAWC Istanbul

As years passed and actors of TNR changed, Melvyn kept on developing new products and also improving the old ones based on the feed-back he got from the experts in the field. He spent a lot of time at the International Companion Animal Welfare Conference (ICAWC) discussing with cat trappers and dog catchers and taking notes in view of his next innovations. His years of hard work were rewarded with a Welfare Award by International Cat Care in 2013. It was handed to him by Ian MacFarlane (former Trustee of SNIP International) who had also worked with Melvyn on product development.

Melvyn had a great personality and an enormous heart and with him MDC Exports Ltd. became a generous partner for SNIP International, especially at every year’s ICAWC, allowing us to help many of the animal welfare groups attending the conference. And conferencing with him was also a lot of fun – both during the day and in the evening after the official programme. The next time we’ll meet our friends at ICAWC, there will surely be an empty space and we will raise a glass for Melvyn.

Despite this sadness, we also feel grateful for having had the opportunity to know Melvyn and to work with him all these years. He also introduced us to his family, and we are very pleased to know that they will keep alive Melvyn’s legacy and that MDC Exports Ltd. will maintain its position in the animal welfare sector and continue partnering with SNIP International for the benefit of stray animals worldwide.

2016 ICAWC Dubrovnik