Rigorous and robust regulatory process in place, says RCVS

The animal-owning public should rest assured that there is a “rigorous and robust regulatory process in place” for the veterinary profession, according to Professor Sandy Trees, Senior Vice-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, when interviewed this morning by Today about the forthcoming ‘It Shouldn’t Happen at a Vets’ Panorama programme (BBC 1, 9pm 22 July).

He also stressed that there are strict guidelines that veterinary surgeons are expected to follow.

The College has not seen the programme, but in any event would be unable to comment on its content, because it could jeopardise any subsequent investigation.

Professor Trees, who was interviewed by Panorama back in November 2009, pointed out that the College expects the BBC to co-operate with any investigation by providing all relevant footage and documentation.

Putting complaints in context, Professor Trees said: “There are some 17,000 veterinary surgeons in practice in the UK, carrying out between 10 and 20 million consultations each year. We get just 700 complaints each year – a number that has remained about constant over the last ten years, when the number of vets has gone up about 30%.”

You can listen to the interview here.

A further statement will be available on RCVSonline after the programme has aired this evening.