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BVA Live 2024 debate topics revealed
As part of a debate, BVA will be launching its Great Workplaces scheme.
Sessions will discuss ‘dangerous dogs’ and RCVS governance.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced the key topics that will be addressed at BVA Live 2024.

The topics will be discussed at BVA Live Interactive Zone, at a two-day event to be held 6-7 June.

Delegates will be invited to debate the latest veterinary news which has been directly affecting the sector. This includes discussion on the impact of the Competition and Markets Review into the profession, as well as considering the opportunities to improve transparency and client care.

The future of ‘dangerous dog’ legislations will be up for debate, as more countries implement rules banning XL bully type dogs. This will be an in-depth consideration of the recent changes to the Dangerous Dog Act, and a review on the future of Breed Specific Legislation.

There will also be conversations on the future of pet ownership. BVA has invited veterinary professionals to argue whether pet ownership should be viewed as a ‘luxury’, and whether ownership is detrimental to environmental sustainability.

The veterinary industry itself will be explored, as delegates consider whether the RCVS council should be appointed or elected to their roles.

As part of BVA Live 2024, the association will be launching its ‘Great Workplaces’ project. BVA says that its new workplace accreditation will support veterinary leaders in creating a workplace where their teams can thrive.

Veterinary leaders are invited to discuss how they can develop their own workplaces.

The debates are to be led by BVA officers, with president Anna Judson, senior vice president Malcolm Morley and junior vice president Elizabeth Mullineaux facilitating the discussions.

BVA Live 2024 will be at NEC Birmingham, from 6-7 June. The full programme will be published online.

Dr Judson said: “BVA live is a truly interactive event and the hot topic debates in the interactive zone are your chance to be heard on the key issues affecting our profession right now.

“Robust and respectful discussions are essential if we’re going to tackle these challenging issues and I’m looking forward to hearing from colleagues across the profession in what promises to be a fascinating range of sessions.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."