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BVA urges new government to reform Vet Surgeons Act
The BVA wants to see the new government press ahead with animal welfare legislation dropped as part of the abandoned Kept Animals Bill.
The act is “woefully outdated” says BVA president.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged the new UK government to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The organisation wants to see the old act replaced with new primary legislation that modernises the regulatory framework for the veterinary profession.

In its own election manifesto, the BVA described the current law as ‘designed for a different era’. It wants the reforms to include the regulation of veterinary practices, legal protection for the title of veterinary nurse, and recognition of the wider veterinary team.

Following the election, which saw Labour replace the Conservatives as the governing party, the BVA has also welcomed Labour's manifesto commitments to prioritise the highest animal welfare standards in international trade deals, promote greater environmental sustainability, and negotiate a veterinary agreement with the EU to reduce border checks.

Anna Judson, BVA president, said: “The new government faces many pressing issues as it takes the keys to Number 10 and whilst we look forward to seeing more detail around its manifesto commitments in relation to animal welfare standards and cooperation with the EU, the veterinary profession is critical to delivering many of these promises and therefore it’s essential the new government quickly turns its attention to reforming the woefully outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, or risk falling at the first hurdle.”

As well as reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the BVA is calling on the new government to tackle animal welfare issues that were left unresolved after the previous government dropped its Kept Animals Bill.

The BVA also wants to see the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 overhauled, so that the breed specific legislation is replaced with a focus on responsible breeding and ownership. It also wants to see a deal reached to secure permanent access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland.

Dr Judson added: “In its manifesto, the new government has committed to action on several key animal welfare issues which is good news and the British Veterinary Association stands ready to work with officials to get the detail right.

“Alongside these, we also urge the government to press ahead with legislation which would have been delivered as part of the abandoned Kept Animals Bill like stricter pet import measures, including mandatory pre-import testing to minimise the spread of infections like Brucella canis.”

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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.