Memorandum submitted by the Kennel Club
(Vet 17)
The Kennel Club is the governing body for dog
activity in the United Kingdom among whose main objectives is
to promote in every way, the general improvement of dogs and encourage
responsible dog ownership. Although not a veterinary organisation
our membership base does include veterinary surgeons and all those
involved in the canine world are major users of veterinary services.
The Kennel Club was particularly interested
in the part of the inquiry which is considering whether the governing
body of the RCVS and VNC ought to include appointed lay persons
as well as veterinary professionals.
The Kennel Club strongly believes that laypersons
should be appointed to the governing bodies of the RCVS and VNC
primarily because of the benefits that openness and transparency
can bring. To illustrate, if laypersons could be appointed they
would likely bring a different dimension and different views to
discussions—in particular the views of those who actually
use veterinary services. Decisions that are taken in an openness
and transparency are more likely to attract support and publicity,
and having laypersons on the body would provide an additional
layer of accountability. I hope the Kennel Club's views will be
taken into account as part of the consultation process.
September 2007
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