BVA president hopes CMA review could be catalyst for change
Around 80 guests attended the event in Cardiff.
The ongoing investigation into the veterinary sector by the Competition and Markets Authority could be a catalyst for the “outdated” Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to finally be reformed, BVA president Anna Judson told guests at the BVA’s annual Welsh Dinner
Speaking at the event in Cardiff on Wednesday, 26 June, Dr Judson said:: “We’ve been lobbying for veterinary legislative reform for some time and have secured cross-party support.
“While progress is being made, it’s slow, and we hope that the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation will act as a catalyst for this much needed change.
“It is simply not possible to build a modern and effective veterinary profession on the foundations of legislation which was created in a different era.”
Around 80 guests attended the event, including Huw Irranca-Davies, the Welsh government’s cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs.
During her speech, Dr Judson also spoke about the “positive progress” being made in relation to animal welfare in Wales. She welcomed recent legislation that has made CCTV mandatory in Welsh slaughterhouses and the planned introduction of the compulsory Bovine Viral Diarrhoea eradication scheme.
She particularly praised the Animal Licensing Project Wales, which aims to make sure that dog breeding establishments are high quality and reputable.
The project, which has been extended to 2025, involves veterinary surgeons working with enforcement officers to improve their knowledge of animal health and welfare.
Dr Judson called for support for the project, saying: “While the Animal Licensing Project has achieved considerable success to date, to develop it further, more sustainable funding is required so that it can become a benchmarking organisation and standardise practice across Wales. We ask for your support in achieving this.”
Dr Judson’s full speech can be read here.
Image © BVA
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
