MP Praises Vets and Urges Greater Unity
Jim Paice delivers his speech.
The Rt Hon. Jim Paice MP thanked BVA when delivering opening address at Congress.Jim Paice, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food delivered the opening address of the BVA Congress 2011 to a packed out Council Chamber in the Royal College of Physicians in London on Friday.
His speech centred on how vets will be affected by the Coalition Government's 'Big Society' and its programme of reform intending to 'turn government on its head, taking power away from Whitehall and putting it into the hands of people and communities.'
Congratulating the British Veterinary Association for its support, Mr Paice outlined plans for the new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) which will start in November. The board will make direct suggestions to the Government and work hand in hand with society to address issues such as irresponsible dog ownership, cruelty in the slaughter house - a topic which has received much press coverage recently - as well as intensive dairy farming, and children and animals.
He admitted that, financially, times are tough but he welcomed the work of the Veterinary Development Council and highlighted the challenges to that council, such as the question of animals needs and funding, whilst drawing particular attention to pet insurance.
The minister was quick to praise the veterinary community, labelling the concept of 'earned recognition' in the farming industry as "really great" and encouraging vets to work even harder to ensure a high level of care in the farming sector. He picked out an example of vets using DNA testing to track down those farmers trying to "cheat the system" with regard to the bovine TB regulations, to demonstrate how the veterinary community can work together to keep animal health standards high in the UK.
To find out more about the AHWBE, click here.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
