Vets pay tribute to Peter Jinman
"He will be missed by us all" – Melissa Donald.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) have paid tribute to Peter Jinman OBE, following the sad news of his passing.
The well-respected veterinary surgeon served as president of the BVA from 2002-03 and as president of the RCVS from 2010-11. He also served as a trustee for the Animal Welfare Foundation and RCVS Knowledge and as chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee at the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
In 2004, he was awarded an OBE for services to the veterinary profession.
RCVS president Melissa Donald said: “I, along with my colleagues on RCVS Council and VN Council, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the death of Peter Jinman this week.
“He was a true stalwart of the veterinary professions and the RCVS, and even after his tenure on Council finished he remained actively involved with College business, chairing the Standards Committee’s Certification Subcommittee. During his presidential year, he helped steer through the passage of a new Legislative Reform Order which changed the composition of the RCVS Disciplinary and Primary Investigation Committees and launched a consultation on the, then, new Code of Professional Conduct, among many other things.
“For me, Peter was a personal inspiration and role model and one of the reasons I decided to get involved in veterinary politics. His commitment to public service was demonstrated not just through his involvement with the RCVS, but also through his membership of bodies such as the Parliamentary Committee on Standards, Defra’s Farm Animal Welfare Committee and the Farmers Club, for whom he was the first veterinary surgeon who served as Chairman.
“He was held in great affection by RCVS colleagues and staff who have described him as being always happy to help, always available and always a pleasure to work with, as well as being extremely erudite and knowledgeable. He will be missed by us all.”
Malcolm Morley, BVA president, said: “We were truly saddened to hear the news that Peter has passed away.
“Widely respected, Peter was a pillar of the veterinary community, always there with wise advice or a kind word. He was a strong advocate and supporter of many BVA officers who followed in his footsteps, providing guidance and encouragement throughout their journeys. His dedication to his work, the profession itself and the animals he cared for was undeniable.
“A valued friend to many, Peter will be sorely missed but his tremendous legacy to the veterinary profession will live on. Our thoughts are with Peter’s wife Gill and his family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
