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Ȥҹapp calls on vets to support reform of outdated veterinary legislation as Government launches proposals

27 Jan 2026

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The UK Government has launched a public consultation on reforming the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act.

Ȥҹapp calls on vets to support reform of outdated veterinary legislation as Government launches proposals  Image

Following years of campaigning by the Ȥҹapp (Ȥҹapp), the UK Government has today taken a major step towards reformingthe outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966(VSA), launching seeking views on itsproposalsforreformed legislation.

The consultation will run foreightweeksandseeksinputfrom across the veterinary teamandfromthe publicona range ofproposalsthatcouldseesignificantchangestohowveterinary professionalsare regulated,includingthe introduction of regulation for allied veterinary professionals(e.g. equine dental technicians and cattle hoof trimmers);vet businessescould be regulated for the first time; andthere could be significantchanges to thegovernancearrangements including the roles undertaken by theRoyal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The Department forEnvironment, Food and Rural Affairs(Defra) has published its proposals following months ofintensiveengagementwithagroup of keyorganisationsincludingȤҹapp, RCVS,the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA)and the Vet Schools Council(VSC),to understandthe challengesand opportunities facingthesectoranddevelop recommendationson 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.Ȥҹapp will formally respond to the consultation on behalf of its members.Ȥҹappis also strongly encouraging all vets to support reform by engaging with the proposals and sharing their views with Defraviathe consultation.

Ȥҹapp President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVSsaid:

“Vetsplay a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through toassistinginternational trade, diseasecontroland public health. Ifwe’reto continue delivering this work effectively, weurgentlyneed reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes willimpacthow we go about all aspects of our work.It’stherefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape veterinarylegislationthat’sfit for the 21st century.”

For more information on whatDefra’sproposals mean,Ȥҹapp members can access a series ofrecordedwebinarsexplainingthe detail. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section on the Ȥҹapp website:/take-action/our-policies/veterinary-surgeons-act/

Ȥҹapp members canshare their views with Ȥҹapp via email at [email protected].

closesat23:59pm on 25 March 2026.

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