Ȥҹapp

In a major milestone for our ongoing campaign to reform outdated veterinary legislation, MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum have backed our calls to modernise the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

Despite a record-breaking heatwave, more than 60 parliamentarians and colleagues from the veterinary sector pledged their support for reform at our event in the House of Commons yesterday, hosted jointly with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Huge thanks to our event sponsor, vet and MP Neil Hudson. We were also joined by Danny Chambers MP, Lord Sandy Trees, Liz Saville Roberts MP, Sir Roger Gale MP, Robin Swann MP and Baroness Young of Old Scone, to name a few. Animal welfare minister Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock also delivered a speech on behalf of the Government.

The VSA underpins how veterinary care is delivered across the UK but, at nearly 60 years old, it no longer reflects modern practice. MPs heard from Ȥҹapp President Rob Williams, RCVS President Tim Parkin and BVNA President Sarah Holliday on how advances in veterinary medicine, growing pet ownership, and the expanding veterinary team mean that current legislation is outdated.

Momentum for reform has also recently been strengthened by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which has called for widespread changes to veterinary legislation following our input into its investigation into vet services for household pets.

The case for reform is clear. While individual veterinary professionals are regulated, the businesses they work for are not. This gap can leave vets and nurses accountable for decisions beyond their control. A new Act that includes regulation of veterinary businesses and the protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title will better protect animal welfare, support veterinary teams, and provide greater transparency to clients.

Animal welfare minister Baroness Sue Hayman, speaking on behalf of the Government, confirmed that reform is firmly on the agenda and highlighted the opportunity to deliver the “biggest vet sector reform in 60 years” by creating a modern framework that supports both professionals and pet owners.

There is now real and positive momentum for change, but continued cross-party backing will be essential to get a new Act over the line and into law.

We’ll continue engaging with parliamentarians and government on behalf of our members to maintain that momentum- ensuring that the profession’s voice is heard and to ensure that any new legislation delivers for the profession, animal welfare, and the public.

You can find out more about VSA reform and Ȥҹapp’s work on your behalf here.