Memorandum submitted by Richard Jones
(Vet 15)
I submit that the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
is woefully out of date and needs a comprehensive review.
The 1966 VSA does not meet the demands of the
modern veterinary surgeon and related professions.
While I am aware that there are many examples
of why this is so, my submission relates to one particular example
that I have been involved with. This is the Disciplinary process.
The process is outdated in contrast with allied professions.
I do not believe that the present system can
wait for a new VSA and requires an urgent independent and transparent
review of the Preliminary Investigating and Disciplinary procedures
and process. There have been too many instances of apparent inconsistency
in judgments and sentencing.
I believe that the RCVS and VNC ought to have
a separate conduct committees both at Preliminary Investigating
and at Disciplinary levels. The sanctions need review.
It is vital that the process is in accord with
the Human Rights Act.
September 2007
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