World-renowned animal welfare advocate and respected local veterinarian Dr Hugh Wirth, AM, died on Monday after living with Parkinson’s disease for more than a decade.

Dr Wirth is credited with numerous successful animal welfare campaigns including ending puppy tail docking and stopping the export of horses to Japan for slaughter.

He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1985 and in 1997 was named Victorian of the Year.

Dr Wirth drove numerous animal-welfare campaigns. Credit:Gary Schafer

“Dr Hugh was a tireless worker and a forthright, strong leader who was not afraid to stand

up for what he believed was right,” RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker said.