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Vets, Peers and MPs meet to discuss legislative reforms
The present Veterinary Surgeons Act was first enacted 60 years ago.
The RCVS-hosted lunch took place in the House of Lords. 

Veterinary sector leaders, peers and MPs have met to discuss legislative reforms designed to modernise the veterinary professions and make the sector more inclusive and accessible.

Representatives from the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, Defra, the BVA and the BVNA attended the Legislative Reform Lunch in the House of Lords on Tuesday (28 June), hosted by the RCVS. 

Sponsored by Professor the Lord Trees - the only veterinary surgeon serving in the House of Lords -  the event gave the RCVS a chance to discuss the need for new laws from the perspective of the professions and allow guests to ask questions regarding the proposals. 

Attendees heard from Dr Kate Richards, RCVS president, Dr Mandisa Greene, RCVS senior vice-president and Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS registrar and director of legal services. 

The present Veterinary Surgeons Act was first enacted 60 years ago, and Dr Richards began the debate by detailing the significant advancements in veterinary practice that have taken place since then. She also outlined the updates to the proposed new legislation, including extending regulation to allied and paraprofessionals and enhancing the role of veterinary nurses to allow them to perform a wider range of procedures.

Next, Dr Greene outlined the potential to introduce regulation of veterinary practices, as an additional means of upholding veterinary standards. She said that any mandatory scheme would sit alongside the current voluntary Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), to which 68 per cent of practices are currently signed up. 

Finally, Dr Ferguson explained that the current disciplinary process was no longer fit for the modern veterinary sector. She stressed that it should be updated to be based on a ‘fitness to practise’ model that focuses less on past misconduct and provides a wider, more flexible range of sanctions. 

Dr Richards, said: “We want to thank everyone who attended our Legislative Reform Lunch and took part in the stimulating and engaging discussions. It was inspiring to hear the views of people who are passionate about animal welfare and interested in supporting our work to help modernise the veterinary professions through legislative change, making it fairer, more flexible and forward looking.

“The legislative reforms the College is proposing follow years of research, surveys, consultations and insight gathering from the professions. The proposed changes have been put forward to not only modernise the professions but also improve standards of veterinary care, to inspire a greater level of public confidence in the professions and to meet head-on the challenges the professions are currently facing, including workforce capacity.”

She added: “This event was a key stage in the process that we hope will form long and fruitful partnerships with people who share our commitment to upholding and championing standards of animal health and welfare.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.