BVA welcomes government commitment to legislative reform
The BVA president called for a 'fit-for-purpose modern regulatory framework'.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the government’s engagement with the veterinary profession as it addresses the reformation of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Speaking at BVA’s annual Westminster Dinner, BVA president Elizabeth Mullineaux discussed the urgent need for updated legislation to regulate veterinary practices.
Dr Mullineaux described how the existing Veterinary Surgeons Act failed to regulate modern veterinary practices. Instead, she said it leaves veterinary surgeons and nurses accountable for business decisions outside of their control.
The speech also attacked the current legislation’s approach to the wider veterinary team. Dr Mullineaux said that it was ‘concerning’ that the veterinary nurse title is not protected, meaning that anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse.
Dr Mullineaux said: “My presidential theme is ‘a profession that cares’. Vets not only care for animals, putting their health and welfare at the centre of everything we do; but we also care for each other, our teams and our clients.
“To continue caring for animals and the profession, we need a fit-for-purpose modern regulatory framework that recognises the importance of all members of the veterinary team and the modern structures of veterinary businesses.”
The BVA president urged guests, including veterinary professionals, MPs and other peers, to support the development of a new act.
Daniel Zeichner MP, minister of state of food security and rural affairs, said: “I think each [BVA] dinner I've been to, the Veterinary Surgeons Act has come up. We absolutely understand it.
“We’re engaging with you and with the other stakeholders from the RCVS, the BVNA, the Vet Schools Council, to look at how we can go about reforming the VSA and that core working group is looking at how changes to policy can support the profession, animals and consumer in a future facing and future proof way.”
Among the other topics in Dr Mullineaux’s speech was the Kept Animal Bill, which is now being introduced through independent legislation.
This includes the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) which restricts the importation and non-commercial movement of such animals. This would mean a ban on the import of dogs with cropped ears and the introduction of pre-import testing.
Dr Mullineaux said: “We have worked with our colleague Danny Chambers, veterinary surgeon and MP, who introduced this Bill with the support of Neil Hudson MP, another veterinary colleague.
“We would urge other MPs and Lords to support this Bill as it goes through both Houses.”
Image © BVA
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
