WINCHESTER MP Steve Brine MP has met with representatives to discuss the need for updated veterinary legislation.

Mr Brine met with people spokespeople representing the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) at an event hosted by vet Dr Neil Hudson MP. The event focussed on a host of issues including veterinary workforce shortages, outdated legislation and animal health and welfare problems.

Discussions included animal health and welfare issues and the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. It has been almost 60 years since the act was passed, with many changes taking place in veterinary medicine, and while the Act has been amended to account for these many professionals feel new primary legislation is required.

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New legislation would increase regulation of the veterinary industry, thus boosting animal health and welfare through enhanced accountability.

MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford, Mr Brine said: “Thank you to Neil for bringing these important voices to Parliament, it was incredibly useful to hear about the issues facing the sector directly from the experts.

“It was also lovely to catch up with Malcolm Morley, President of the BVA, who is a constituent and I met with in Winchester recently.”

President of the BVA, Malcolm Morley, added: " Our profession requires legislative reform to effectively work with an Act that is no longer fit for purpose."

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Dr Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said: “As the only vet in the Commons it is an immense privilege to shine a light on the veterinary sector and the pressing animal health and welfare issues of the day”. 

“I fully support the RCVS and BVA’s calls to address veterinary workforce shortage issues and to overhaul the Veterinary Surgeons Act. Much has changed in the 60 years since it was passed, and we need modern laws that reflect this.

“I thank all the parliamentarians from across the political spectrum who kindly took time out of their busy schedules to meet with veterinary experts and discuss such pressing issues.”