Vet industry criticises ‘disappointing’ Panorama documentary
The documentary coincides with the final stages of the CMA investigation.
Veterinary organisations have warned that a documentary from Panorama could lead to more ‘unwarranted’ abuse against frontline veterinary teams.
The episode, ‘Why Are Vet Bills So High?’, was aired on BBC earlier this month and coincides with the final stages of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation.
The documentary centred on an investigation into large veterinary group IVC Evidensia, which it suggested was asking its veterinary teams to upsell treatments and services to clients for profit.
However, it also broadcast interviews with other pet owners sharing predominantly negative experiences with veterinary care – some of which end in the pet being euthanised. In one interview, Dogs Today editor Beverley Cuddy reflects that ‘the James Herriot vet’ was ‘gone’.
In contrast, host Richard Bilton quotes the CMA as saying ‘the vast majority of vets behave ethically’.
In an interview on the documentary, RCVS senior vice-president Linda Belton says: “I think the expectation from pet owners of what veterinary care can do has gone up.
“The big difference of course is that it does come with a cost. There is no NHS for pets.”
However, some veterinary organisations believe that the documentary has not done enough to represent the complexities of providing veterinary care. They warn that such negative coverage could prompt ‘unwarranted abuse’ towards veterinary teams.
Rita Dingwall, chair of the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices, said: "As chair of the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), I was disappointed that the recent Panorama programme on veterinary fees did not give greater recognition to the vital work carried out independent veterinary practices across the UK.
"Independent practices are firmly rooted in their communities, with vets, nurses and the support team committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. These teams continue to operate under significant cost and workforce pressures, striving to balance affordability with sustainability and high clinical standards.
"While open discussion around fees and transparency is important, it is equally important that such debates reflect the full picture. Throughout the CMA investigation, everyone in the veterinary sector, including vets, vet nurses and the wider practice team, has received unwarranted abuse from clients and criticism in the national press.
"We are disappointed that Panorama has not done enough to give those on the frontline of animal healthcare the credit they deserve."
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “BVA met with BBC’s Panorama’s production team back in early December to ensure they fully understood the complexities and cost of delivering highly-skilled vet care, as well as making clear the impact negative media coverage is having on hard working vet teams.
“One of the best ways the sector can counter these challenging headlines is by showing the public just what goes into caring for their animals by getting behind BVA’s #InSafeHands campaign, which is lifting the curtain on the incredible work vets do daily.”
Image © BBC
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
