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Inquiry launched into CVS Group's acquisition of The Vet
“This deal could lead to customers facing more limited treatment choices for their pets" - Colin Raftery, CMA.
The CMA has received competition complains in five local areas. 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an inquiry into the CVS Group's acquisition of Quality Pet Care - which trades as The Vet - after concerns were raised about competion in Bristol, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Warrington.
 
In a statement, the CMA said the merger ‘would account for a significant proportion of veterinary services in each of these areas,’ adding that while practices owned by CVS and The Vet compete for customers in these locations, the ‘combined businesses would not face sufficient competition after the merger.’ 

CMA’s senior director of mergers, Colin Raftery, warned that the deal could lead to pet owners ‘facing a worse quality of service’ or ‘having to pay higher prices’. 

“The CMA has received a number of complaints in recent years about higher prices or lower quality services as a result of too many vets’ practices in the same area being under the control of a single company," he said. “This deal could lead to customers facing more limited treatment choices for their pets or paying over the odds for services in these areas. Should CVS fail to address our concerns we will refer the deal for an in-depth investigation.”

The CVS Group owns 467 practices in the UK, while The Vet operates eight practices across England. For more information about the inquiry, visit gov.uk/cma-cases/cvs-slash-quality-pet-care-merger-inquiry

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.