King’s Speech: BVA calls on new Government to deliver its manifesto commitments to animal welfare
Responding to today’s King’s Speech, which lays out the Government’s legislative priorities for the next parliament, British Veterinary Association (BVA) President Anna Judson expressed disappointment that the new Government hasn’t prioritised its manifesto commitments to animal welfare and called for urgent reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Dr Judson said: “Whilst we understand the new Government has many challenges to tackle, it’s disappointing that today’s King’s Speech doesn't prioritise any of its election manifesto commitments to animal welfare or its plans to deliver improved trade with the EU through a proposed veterinary agreement. I urge the Prime Minster and his team to press on with this important work and the British Veterinary Association stands ready to ensure that the necessary detail is correct. The veterinary profession is critical to delivering many of its manifesto promises and therefore it’s essential the Government quickly turns its attention to reforming the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, to ensure a continued modern, viable and effective veterinary profession.”
Alongside the need to reform veterinary legislation, BVA’s manifesto for animals, vets and public health, makes the case for overhauling the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; the need to tackle key animal welfare concerns left unresolved after the abandonment of the Kept Animals Bill; and the importance of securing permanent access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, which remain at risk as a result of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
