Vets and horse owners are being asked to give their feedback on a new code of conduct for the profession.
The present code has not been reviewed for 10 years, prompting the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to establish a working party to update it.
“The [current] code has become unwieldy in places,” said Clare Tapsfield-Wright, chair of the working party. “The aim of our new code is to clarify matters and bring us into line with best practice elsewhere.”
British Equine Veterinary Association president Deidre Carson added: “Key areas that have been looked at concern fitness to practise and the way a vet interacts with clients, patients and other practices.”
The group has also looked at the code’s language, ongoing professional development, clinical competence and included an updated declaration to be made by vets with increased emphasis on welfare.
H&H’s veterinary consultant Karen Coumbe said she welcomed the move.
“Animal welfare is key to the new code,” she added. “It is worthwhile for all vets to review it and give their comments.”
View the code at www.rcvs.org.uk/codeconsultation. All comments should be sent to c.murdoch@rcvs.org.uk by 24 June.
The code, with or without, amendments will go before the RCVS council in November.
For more up-to-date news, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (28 April, 2011)
