Press Release

Statement on the Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Marty Irby, world champion equestrian and head of animal welfare group, praises late sovereign’s care for ‘the welfare and health of horses’

Queen Elizabeth is shown a horse by renowned trainer Monty Roberts. The late regent was a patron of Mr. Roberts’ Join-Up International, which provided the photo.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, upon learning of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Animal Wellness Action executive director Marty Irby released the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened to hear of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. There has never been another world leader who cared more about the welfare and health of horses than the Queen, and we will all miss her dearly. Her Majesty granted me the greatest honor of my life with an Award in 2020 for my work to protect horses, and I am eternally grateful. Now is the time to recognize and pay tribute to the Queen for her tremendous work to protect the voiceless we care so deeply about. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and entire United Kingdom.” 

Irby is a lifelong horseman, former world champion equestrian, and past president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association. He was honored by Queen Elizabeth II in August 2020, only the second occasion the British Crown has granted such an honor. Queen Elizabeth II loved her horses dearly and worked for more than 30 years with renowned horseman Monty Roberts to spread more humane training practices and principles around the globe, including serving as patron of Roberts’ Join-Up International. 

Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) whose mission is to help animals by promoting laws and regulations at federal, state and local levels that forbid cruelty to all animals. The group also works to enforce existing anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws. Animal Wellness Action believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @AWAction_News