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BVA president hopes CMA review could be catalyst for change
Around 80 guests attended the event in Cardiff.
Anna Judson makes case for legislative reform during Welsh Dinner speech.

The ongoing investigation into the veterinary sector by the Competition and Markets Authority could be a catalyst for the “outdated” Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to finally be reformed, BVA president Anna Judson told guests at the BVA’s annual Welsh Dinner

Speaking at the event in Cardiff on Wednesday, 26 June, Dr Judson said:: “We’ve been lobbying for veterinary legislative reform for some time and have secured cross-party support.

“While progress is being made, it’s slow, and we hope that the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation will act as a catalyst for this much needed change.

“It is simply not possible to build a modern and effective veterinary profession on the foundations of legislation which was created in a different era.”
 
Around 80 guests attended the event, including Huw Irranca-Davies, the Welsh government’s cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs.

During her speech, Dr Judson also spoke about the “positive progress” being made in relation to animal welfare in Wales. She welcomed recent legislation that has made CCTV mandatory in Welsh slaughterhouses and the planned introduction of the compulsory Bovine Viral Diarrhoea eradication scheme.

She particularly praised the Animal Licensing Project Wales, which aims to make sure that dog breeding establishments are high quality and reputable.

The project, which has been extended to 2025, involves veterinary surgeons working with enforcement officers to improve their knowledge of animal health and welfare.

Dr Judson called for support for the project, saying: “While the Animal Licensing Project has achieved considerable success to date, to develop it further, more sustainable funding is required so that it can become a benchmarking organisation and standardise practice across Wales. We ask for your support in achieving this.”

Dr Judson’s full speech can be read here.

Image © BVA

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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."