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Getting to know Dr Barry Johnson
A Past President of the RCVS standing in this year's Council elections

A graduate of Liverpool University, Dr Barry Johnson BVSc DVSc (h.c.) MRCVS may be familiar to the veterinary profession due to his extensive involvement in the profession's politics. Dr Johnson has served on every committee of the RCVS and was elected President in 1993. Since retiring from active practice, he has also served in various animal welfare organisations in non-executive positions and is currently the Chairman of World Horse Welfare.

When asked by MRCVS.co.uk about prominent issues currently affecting the RCVS and his future intentions should he be elected to the Council, Dr Johnson kindly gave the following answers:

1. The McKelvey report identified serious deficiencies at the RCVS that are not satisfactory for a professional body. What would you change?

The new Audit and Risk Committee will help. The role of officers is being refined. Not everybody is still in post.

2. The RCVS has been accused of being disconnected from its members. What do you think can be done to improve this?

Nothing. Those who do not read, listen, attend or participate will always claim to be disconnected. Having said that, the communications team work very hard and members of Council need to support them more.

3. How would you restore trust in the RCVS, if elected?

Continuing insisting on truth and transparency. Smoke screens and mirrors must go.

4. How can the RCVS become more transparent in the future and what part would you play in this?

Papers should be free of confidentiality notices unless essential.

5. After closing its VN awarding body the RCVS introduced a significant "regulatory fee" for student nurses, which has been viewed by some as grossly unfair. What is your opinion.

Disagree.

6. In the current climate of de-regulation and reducing costs, what cuts would you advise in RCVS expenditure and activities?

The new CEO in discussion with senior managers and the Council will be looking at the structure and governance of the RCVS.

Dr Johnson's manifesto can be found here.

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Please note: We have a number of other candidate interviews to be published shortly, so you may wish to read these before voting.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.