The new president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has said that the veterinary profession puts “the health and welfare of the animals we care for at the centre of everything we do”.
Wildlife specialist vet, Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, who has just taken up the role of president of the BVA, said the theme of her term will be ” a profession that cares”.
“For me, this perfectly encapsulates what being a vet is all about.
“We get up in the middle of the night to calve a cow; support our clients as they say goodbye to their beloved dog; and share the excitement of a family with young children when they bring in their new kitten for the first vaccination.
“We do all this because we do really care,” Dr. Mullineaux added.
Earlier this year the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed its decision to launch a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK and published tips to help pet owners better navigate vet services.
BVA
In her In her first speech as president, East Lothian-based Dr Mullineaux said it was “incredibly difficult” to see the motivations of the veterinary profession “questioned in the way we have seen as a result of the CMA’s investigation”.
She added: “In our interactions with the CMA we’re constantly reminding them that the veterinary profession puts the health and welfare of the animals we care for at the centre of everything we do.
“This is regardless of whether the animals are wild or domesticated, owned or unowned, or an owner’s financial position.
“Any recommendations coming out of the investigation must fully consider animal welfare as well as owner choice and ensuring that is understood by the CMA is a key priority for me in the year ahead”.
Dr Mullineaux said the media reporting of the CMA investigation had portrayed vets “in a way that is at odds with everything I understand and value about the profession”.
“It has put additional strain on people in practice who already feel overworked and undervalued,” she added.
However she also believes that the CMA investigation could present “opportunities” including the chance to secure a new Veterinary Surgeons Act, which she said that BVA has long lobbied for.
Dr. Mullineaux also outlined that other key priorities for her presidential year include the continued lobbying for a solution to the provision of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, an end to puppy smuggling, measures to improve dog breeding and responsible dog ownership; and a ban of snares in England to align with legislation in Wales and Scotland.
