RSPCA Memorandum of Understanding

In this section you can find out more about the Memorandum of Understanding between the BVA and the RSPCA

Current activity

The MoU between the BVA and the RSPCA covers the emergency treatment of sick or injured wildlife and stray animals and it establishes an agreement between the RSPCA and BVA on the level of RSPCA contribution to the initial emergency treatment (IET) carried out by vets on these animals.

Background

The purpose of the Memorandum is to ensure that appropriate professional treatment is available for all injured or sick animal by clarifying arrangements between vets in private practices and the RSPCA.

BVA conducted a survey at the beginning of 2012 to show a snapshot of the true costs to veterinary practices of carrying out emergency treatment on sick or injured wildlife and stray animals. BVA members were asked to participate in the survey and just over 200 members got involved.

The survey results indicated that the average total cost of IET was £119 based on practices’ most recent case; of which the average cost for IET carried out during normal surgery hours was £96 and during out of hours was £156. A revealing result from the survey was the cost incurred by veterinary practices for the ongoing treatment and care of animals; £179 was the average total cost to practices on top of IET for ongoing treatment, boarding and case management of animals.

The Current Memorandum

It is recognised that the Memorandum in its current form is not fit for purpose and lacks clarity. BVA has reviewed the Memorandum with the help of the Members’ Services Group and in close liaison with the RSPCA’s CVO Alastair MacMillan. One of the key areas of difficulty is the arrangement of payment for emergency call outs and IET costs. .

These issues have been addressed as part of the review but the new agreement is yet to be finalised and in the meantime BVA and RSPCA negotiated an interim arrangement fora maximum available pay-out for out-of- hours service of £120, including £60 for treatment and £60 for the call-out. For in-hours IET (stray dogs and small wildlife exception) the RSPCA National Control Centre works with veterinary practitioners to agree an RSPCA contribution of up to a maximum of £60 plus VAT, including emergency care and clinical assessment.

RSPCA use of Pentobarbitone sodium (PBS)

The RSPCA made a decision on September 20th to change its policy and immediately stopped any non veterinary staff from carrying or using PBS. This was done as a precautionary measure and as part of a review of their euthanasia procedures, whilst the RSPCA seeks to clarify the legal position on the use of this controlled drug.

This decision mainly impacts on the work of the RSPCA inspectorate who used PBS to euthanise animals in the field. The new procedures mean that staff will, when called out to attend a severely sick or injured animal have two options:

To use another approved and appropriate method of euthanasia, dependent on the type and size of the animal
To contact the nearest practice and then by agreement either transport the animal to the vet or for the vet to attend the scene

The effect may be an increase in the numbers of animals, particularly wildlife, that will be presented at veterinary practices and in the out of hours service required. It is difficult to accurately assess this increase, as it will be dependent on geography and other considerations.

Further information will be provided once a final decision has been made in the autumn.

The RSPCA’s main concern is to minimise suffering. They recognise that this interim decision may impact on vets and veterinary practices and will endeavour to minimise this as much as possible. They remain immensely grateful for the assistance given by the profession to the RSPCA.