The newly appointed president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, has emphasised that the veterinary profession places ‘the health and welfare of the animals we care for at the centre of everything we do’.

Dr Mullineaux, a wildlife specialist vet, stated that the guiding theme of her presidency will be ‘a profession that cares’.

She explained: “For me, this perfectly encapsulates what being a vet is all about.

“We get up in the middle of the night to calve a cow; support our clients as they say goodbye to their beloved dog; and share the excitement of a family with young children when they bring in their new kitten for the first vaccination.

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“We do all this because we do really care.” Dr Mullineaux added.

Earlier this year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK and shared advice for pet owners to better navigate veterinary care.

In her opening speech as president, Dr Mullineaux, who is based in East Lothian, commented on the ‘incredibly difficult’ nature of witnessing the motivations of the veterinary profession being ‘questioned in the way we have seen as a result of the CMA’s investigation’.

She continued: “In our interactions with the CMA we’re constantly reminding them that the veterinary profession puts the health and welfare of the animals we care for at the centre of everything we do.

“This is regardless of whether the animals are wild or domesticated, owned or unowned, or an owner’s financial position.

“Any recommendations coming out of the investigation must fully consider animal welfare as well as owner choice and ensuring that is understood by the CMA is a key priority for me in the year ahead”

Dr Mullineaux expressed concern that media coverage of the CMA investigation had represented vets ‘in a way that is at odds with everything I understand and value about the profession’.

She noted: “It has put additional strain on people in practice who already feel overworked and undervalued.”

Nevertheless, she remains positive that the CMA investigation could create ‘opportunities’ including the potential for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act, for which the BVA has long advocated.

Dr Mullineaux also highlighted other major priorities for her presidential term, including continued efforts to address the provision of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, combating puppy smuggling, enhancing dog breeding practices and responsible ownership, and advocating for a ban on snares in England to align with existing legislation in Wales and Scotland.