The BVNA has urged the new UK government to keep animal welfare at the top of the political agenda.  

President Sarah Holliday responds to appointment of new environment secretary.

Following the appointment of Dame Angela Eagle as Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, the BVNA has urged the government to keep animal welfare at the top of the political agenda. 

In a formal response, BVNA President Sarah Holliday highlighted the significant role of veterinary nurses and reiterated calls for legislative reform, stressing the need for new, fit-for-purpose, veterinary legislation. 

She said: “This Government has previously demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the welfare of animals in the UK; publishing its dedicated Animal Welfare Strategy and, more recently, the Defra White Paper on a reformed Veterinary Surgeons Act. Whilst leadership has undergone change, we would urge the new Environment Secretary to ensure these issues remain a priority.

“Veterinary nurses are powerful advocates for the welfare of animals of all species. Their significant role within veterinary practice and beyond not only contributes to safeguarding animal health, but also that of the wider public and society. We will continue our calls for the professional recognition that veterinary nurses wholly deserve, which must be facilitated by new fit-for-purpose and modernised veterinary legislation.”

Dame Angela replaced Emma Reynolds as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 July.

Sarah added: “We will be writing to Dame Angela Eagle on behalf of the veterinary nursing profession…we look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with Defra under her leadership.”

Image (C) Shutterstock/Evgenii Bakhchev.