Organisations respond to CMA working papers
BVA says that the CMA must fully understand nuances in the sector.
A number of veterinary groups have published preliminary responses to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) working papers.
The CMA released six working papers on 6 February, assessing the evidence it has gathered and the group’s emerging views. External research papers have also been shared on the case page.
Preliminary responses to the CMA’s working papers have already been published by leading veterinary organisations, including the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP).
BVA, RCVS and FIVP have each individually welcomed the CMA’s recognition of the contributions of individual veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. In their overview document, the CMA said it commended veterinary professionals’ ‘dedication and commitment to pet owners’.
The CMA’s findings included a survey, in which 88 per cent of pet owners agreed that their veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses offered the highest standard of care to their pets.
There was also mutual agreement from the organisations on the CMA’s comments on the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The inquiry group stated that the legislation had not kept up with changes in the industry, particularly changes to the ownership of practices.
This was well-received by all three organisations, with RCVS’ response stating: “We are acutely aware that the regulatory workarounds we have needed to put in place over recent years to compensate for this outdated legislation, such as our voluntary Practice Standards Scheme and the Veterinary Client Mediation Service, can only go so far until such times as new legislation is enacted by parliament.”
However, in their preliminary responses, the organisations have raised some concern about the limitations of the CMA inquiry’s findings.
BVA’s response flags the importance of the CMA inquiry group understanding the nuances of the veterinary sector. It particularly references key services such as out of hours treatment and referrals, and its hopes that future remedies do not lead to a reduction in choice for clients.
FIVP business development manager Rita Dingwall said: “The CMA clearly have been listening to concerns raised by FIVP and others and in their overview document appear to understand the complex nature of the veterinary sector.
“The overarching consideration in this process is animal welfare and FIVP will continue to press this point in the many nuances of the investigation.”
BVA, FIVP, BSAVA and BVNA will present full evidence to the CMA at a formal hearing in March.
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
