“The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is no longer fit for purpose, and there is an urgent need for change" - Professor the Lord Trees.

The RCVS event was attended by MPs, Peers and veterinary leaders.

Discussions about the need to replace the Veterinary Surgeons Act with new legislation took place in the House of Lords on Tuesday (25 October) during an afternoon tea hosted by the RCVS for MPs, Peers and veterinary leaders.

Through case studies, short speeches and an exhibition, the meeting centred around how the profession has changed since the 1966 legislation came into force. Event sponsor Professor the Lord Trees, a former RCVS president and the only veterinary surgeon in the House of Lords, formally opened proceedings with current RCVS president Melissa Donald and VN Council chair Matthew Rendle. 

Each speaker stressed the pressing need for new legislation for animal welfare, public assurance and the wider veterinary team. Justine Shotton, senior vice president of the BVA, also spoke in favour of the plans, citing the need to work collaboratively for legislation reflective of the modern veterinary profession.

Attendees also heard from a farm veterinary technician, a musculoskeletal therapist and an equine dental technician, of which none are regulated under the current legislation. Each professional spoke in support of regulation, specifying the need for accountability and setting standards.

Equine dental technician Jake Paterson, who spoke at the meeting, said: “Animal welfare is the main concern for any veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse or allied professional when in practice. Each individual has a duty to follow a strict code of professional conduct.

“The proposed legislative reform where the RCVS will regulate each subdivision creates a veterinary team that will be accountable for their actions. It will protect the titles of allied professionals to provide the much needed clarity to the public and will offer a solution to the current confusion in legislation due to unregulated practitioners.”

After a short networking opportunity, guests listened to a talk by RCVS Knowledge archivist Lorna Bannister about the exhibition, which sought to showcase the profession's evolution since 1966. Bringing to life a need for change in the law, the exhibition included letters, photographs, newspaper clippings and public health posters.

Commenting on the day, Lord Trees said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many veterinary professionals, Peers, and MPs to the House of Lords to discuss the pressing need for veterinary legislative reform.

“The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is no longer fit for purpose, and there is an urgent need for change. The regulation of the veterinary professions is of utmost importance to animal welfare, and all members of the veterinary team must be able to be held accountable for their actions, both for the protection of the animals under their care and in terms of the wider public interest."

He continued: “The UK is proud of its world-leading approach to public health and animal welfare, and if we are to continue to uphold and champion our animal health and welfare standards, it is essential that we work and evolve together to create a Veterinary Surgeons Act which is not only fit for purpose now but will continue to serve us effectively for years to come.”

Melissa Donald added: “I would like to thank everyone who attended our event, with particular thanks to Lord Trees for his sponsorship and ongoing support of our campaign to bring about new legislation.

“The tagline for our campaign for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act is ‘life has changed over the past 60 years, veterinary care has too’, which could not be more accurate. The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is no longer fit for purpose, and we are asking people to support our campaign for new legislation that’s right for now and the future.”