Getting to know Tom Lonsdale
Tom Lonsdale graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1972 and afterwards established a four location mixed practice in Sydney, Australia.
Tom has been an active voice in the veterinary world since the 1980s when he developed an interest in pet food. In 2001, he published Raw Meaty Bones and has continually stood for RCVS Council in the hope of passing on his message to the veterinary community.
When asked about the RCVS and his election hopes, he gave the following response, outlined below:
1. The McKelvey report identified serious deficiencies at the RCVS that are not satisfactory for a professional body. What would you change?
Unless and until there's a complete overhaul of the vet establishment the 'old boys' club will continue on its incompetent and muddle-headed way.
2. The RCVS has been accused of being disconnected from its members. What do you think can be done to improve this?
Hold a full parliamentary enquiry leading to a new Veterinary Surgeons' Act.
3. How would you restore trust in the RCVS, if elected?
- Trust in the RCVS, as it now stands, can never be achieved.
- The RCVS Council is made up of 12 representatives from the universities, whose strings are pulled by the junk pet food companies and pharmaceutical companies.
- Of the 24 councillors elected in the sham elections, mostly they are drawn from the associations and establishment practices.
4. How can the RCVS become more transparent in the future and what part would you play in this?
I believe that by standing for election and gaining approximately 10% of the vote each year for 15 years I've contributed significantly in the call for greater transparency, integrity and accountability of the veterinary establishment.
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?
Don't know sufficient detail to comment.
6. In the current climate of de-regulation and reducing costs, what cuts would you advise in RCVS expenditure and activities ?
Tinkering and cost cutting will not save the RCVS. If convening a Parliamentary enquiry and new Veterinary Surgeons Act will take too long, then I suggest an administrator be appointed to oversee and clean up the RCVS pending the necessary major reforms.
I believe that as a profession we've got little to lose and much to gain by a complete unrestricted review of the profession in all its aspects. We must regain sight of the fact we are here to serve animals, animal owners and the wider community.
For Tom's full response, click here.
His manifesto is accessible here.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
