9 out of 10 vets want practices regulated

As the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) urges Government to prioritise reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) following its investigation into vet services for household pets, new data from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) reveals that 9 out of 10 vets (89 percent) agree with the competition watchdog, that vet practices should be regulated.  

The data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that vets working in companion animal practice, the type of vet business the CMA’s investigation is focused on, felt particularly strongly that vet practices should be regulated, with 89 percent backing the move.  

Under existing veterinary legislation, which dates back to 1966, only individual vets and registered vet nurses (RVNs) are regulated. This means that veterinary businesses, which are mostly owned and run by non-vets, are not held accountable for decisions which could impact animal health and welfare. In its provisional decision report published last month, the CMA found this gap in regulation needed addressing urgently to ‘make sure pet owners’ interests are protected’. 

The data has been released ahead of BVA Congress at London Vet Show (21-22 November, at Excel London), where the hot topic session - Your voice, your future: Shaping the Veterinary Surgeons Act for every professional - will explore what reform of the VSA could look like; the impact it could have on how vet professionals deliver services; and the effect changes could deliver for clients and their animals.  

Hosted by BVA Junior Vice President Gwen Rees, she will be joined by special guests Natasha Widdowson, Head of Veterinary Policy at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra); Tim Parkin, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) President and Samantha Butler Davis from VetsforPets, alongside Liz Mullineaux, BVA Senior Vice President. The session takes place ahead of Defra’s planned public consultation on draft legislation later this year and represents an important opportunity for veterinary professionals to engage and ask questions about what the proposed changes are likely to mean in practice.  

British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:

“Many of the issues raised by the Competition and Markets Authority investigation, including the need for practice regulation, would be addressed through reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.  And after years of BVA campaigning we’re finally taking a step forward as Defra prepares to consult on draft legislation. It’s therefore vital for the professions to grasp this opportunity and get behind reform. Our session at BVA Congress is a chance to ask questions, understand the potential changes and help shape future veterinary legislation.” 

Tickets are still available for London Vet Show which is being held at Excel London from 20-21 November. BVA members can book tickets for £509+VAT, saving 15 per cent off the lowest advertised rate for the event.   

Find the full BVA Congress programme and book your member discounted tickets here.