As the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) urges Government to prioritise reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) following its investigation into vet services for household pets, new data from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) reveals that nine out of 10 vets agree with the competition watchdog, that vet practices should be regulated.
The data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that vets working in companion animal practice, the type of vet business the CMA’s investigation is focused on, felt particularly strongly that vet practices should be regulated, with 89% backing the move.
Under existing veterinary legislation, which dates back to 1966, only individual vets and registered vet nurses (RVNs) are regulated. This means that veterinary businesses, which are mostly owned and run by non-vets, are not held accountable for decisions which could impact animal health and welfare.
In its provisional decision report published last month, the CMA found this gap in regulation needed addressing urgently to ‘make sure pet owners’ interests are protected’.
BVA president Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “Many of the issues raised by the Competition and Markets Authority investigation, including the need for practice regulation, would be addressed through reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
“And after years of BVA campaigning we’re finally taking a step forward as Defra prepares to consult on draft legislation. It’s therefore vital for the professions to grasp this opportunity and get behind reform.”
