BVA calls on vets to support reform of outdated veterinary legislation as Government launches proposals

Following years of campaigning by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the UK Government has today taken a major step towards reforming the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA), launching a public consultation seeking views on its proposals for reformed legislation.   

The consultation will run for eight weeks and seeks input from across the veterinary team and from the public on a range of proposals that could see significant changes to how veterinary professionals are regulated, including the introduction of regulation for allied veterinary professionals (e.g. equine dental technicians and cattle hoof trimmers); vet businesses could be regulated for the first time; and there could be significant changes to the governance arrangements including the roles undertaken by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).  

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published its proposals following months of intensive engagement with a group of key organisations including BVA, RCVS, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and the Vet Schools Council (VSC), to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the sector and develop recommendations on what the options for proposed reform could look like.  

Reform of the VSA will have a significant impact on vets’ daily work, the service they provide their clients and the care given to animals. BVA will formally respond to the consultation on behalf of its members. BVA is also strongly encouraging all vets to support reform by engaging with the proposals and sharing their views with Defra via the consultation. 

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said:  

“Vets play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health. If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we urgently need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work. It’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape veterinary legislation that’s fit for the 21st century.” 

For more information on what Defra’s proposals mean, BVA members can access a series of recorded webinars explaining the detail. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section on the BVA website: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/veterinary-surgeons-act/  

BVA members can share their views with BVA via email at [email protected].  

The consultation closes at 23:59pm on 25 March 2026.