Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th June 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS makes private prosecution protocol permanent
During the trial period, the college received 65 reports of possible breaches of the VSA.
No prosecutions were made during the trial period.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has decided to make permanent its protocol for launching private prosecutions against unqualified individuals breaking the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA).

The decision, which was made at the RCVS Council meeting on 6 June 2024, follows the completion of a 12-month trial of the protocol.

The protocol sets out how the RCVS can launch private prosecutions through the criminal courts against individuals when there is evidence they are breaching the VSA by practising veterinary surgery or using the title ‘veterinary surgeon’ when unqualified.

During the trial period, the college did not undertake any private prosecutions. However, introducing the paper at the council meeting, RCVS registrar Eleanor Ferguson said that it had helped the RCVS with gathering information about potential breaches of the VSA and liaise with other organisations.

The college received a total of 65 reports of possible breaches of the VSA during the trial period, the majority from members of the public. Just over half of the reports received related to the websites and social media accounts of canine fertility clinics and breeders.

In five cases, the college sent cease and desist letters. There was also one case of an unregistered person being referred to the police for claiming to be a veterinary surgeon, leading to a police caution.

There are 12 ongoing cases, including two which are active investigations involving the police and one involving trading standards.

Money has been ring-fenced in the college’s reserves to allow it to launch private prosecutions when there is enough evidence and it is judged in the public interest to do so.

Following the meeting, Ms Ferguson said: “Although we foresee that there will be relatively few private prosecutions taking place, it is necessary to have the protocol as a backstop because we recognise that UK police forces do not always have the time and resources necessary to pursue breaches of the VSA. We thank council members for approving this scheme on a permanent basis.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.