Council consults on veterinary legislation

RCVS Council is inviting comments on new proposals for bringing the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 up to date.

In 2005, following earlier consultations, RCVS Council called for extensive changes in the arrangements for regulating veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.

Last year, however, the Government made clear that it had no plans to bring forward amending legislation for the time being.

Council has now considered recommendations for more limited changes in the Act.

The report of the Veterinary Legislation Group advises focusing on three priority areas: the composition of Council itself; the composition of the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees; and, the jurisdiction and powers of the two committees.

Council would welcome comments on the recommendations from veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, interested bodies and the public.

“We now know that it will not be easy to get any changes to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, so we need to think very carefully about the priorities and how to achieve them,” says RCVS President Sandy Trees.

“Before making any decisions, we want to hear views from a wide range of people who are affected by the work of the RCVS.”

The consultation paper may be downloaded from the consultations section. Hard copies are also available from Jeff Gill, Policy Officer, RCVS, Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF, [email protected], 020 7202 0735.

The deadline for responses is 21 October 2009.

Go to RCVS consultations