BVA and BVNA renew alliance to push for reform of outdated vet law

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) have renewed their strategic alliance, signing a new memorandum of understanding to work jointly on reforms affecting the UK's veterinary professions. BVA President Gwen Rees and BVNA President Steph Worsley signed the agreement at BVNA Congress in Telford, formalising a partnership the two bodies say will give vets and veterinary nurses a stronger joint voice.

Top of the agenda is helping members implement the Competition and Markets Authority's Final Orders following its investigation into the market for household pet veterinary services, alongside a push to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The Act, which dates from before modern veterinary nursing qualifications existed, is widely seen within the profession as out of step with how practices actually work today. The two associations say they want a modern legislative framework that properly recognises the roles of both vets and veterinary nurses, supports team-based working, and better serves animal owners.

For dog and horse owners and breeders, changes of this kind sit in the background rather than making headlines, but they shape the practices doing day-to-day and emergency care. A clearer legal footing for veterinary teams, alongside the pricing and prescription transparency already being phased in under the CMA's rules, should make it easier over time to understand who is treating an animal, what they are qualified to do, and what care is likely to cost.