Parliament praises veterinary profession to mark World Veterinary Year

The House of Commons has officially recognised 2011 as World Veterinary Year in an Early Day Motion (EDM) sponsored by Neil Parish MP, chair of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW).

The EDM, which MPs will be encouraged to sign, also recognises the key role of vets across public health, animal health and welfare, food security and calls on the Government to deliver policies which complement the work of practitioners and enable and inspire future generations of veterinary students.

The motion notes the roles of both the RCVS and the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

The motion is co-sponsored by Peter Bottomley MP, Jim Dowd MP, Andrew George MP, Andrew Miller MP, and Andrew Rosindell MP.

The RCVS and BVA are encouraging veterinary surgeons to contact their MPs to ask them to sign the motion and show support for the profession (although, by convention, some MPs do not sign EDMs, such as ministers and members of the shadow cabinet).

Commenting, Harvey Locke, BVA President, said: “We are a small profession but our impact is enormous and I am delighted that this is being recognised by Members of Parliament.

The veterinary profession plays a vital and wide-reaching role in society, ranging from safeguarding the health and welfare of animals to ensuring the safety of the food we eat

“As we mark 250 years of the profession it is important to note that the vision upon which it was founded – that of science-based veterinary medicine that recognises the links between human and animal pathology – is still strong today.

“Vet 2011 gives us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements from the extraordinary eradication of rinderpest to the everyday high-quality service delivered to clients.”

Dr Jerry Davies, RCVS President, added: “The veterinary profession plays a vital and wide-reaching role in society, ranging from safeguarding the health and welfare of companion animals and livestock to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the food we eat.

"The RCVS commends Members of Parliament in highlighting the important, and often unrecognised, contribution that veterinary surgeons make to our everyday lives.

“Vet2011 marks an important milestone for the profession and is an occasion to celebrate everything that has been achieved over the last 250 years.

"The year also provides an opportunity to reflect upon the regulation of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, and how animal health and welfare may best be protected in the future.”