Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Appoint an independent ombudsman for the veterinary industry

Closed 1,754 signatures

What the petition asks

The recently published Competition and Markets Authority report has revealed the hold the six corporate shareholder companies have on the veterinary sector in the UK. I believe this is having devastating consequences on animal welfare, animals families and veterinary professionals.
We believe having a self-regulating body like the RCVS, is not helping anyone. The British Veterinary Union has stated the RCVS "functions as "an 'Old-Boys' club". The BVU also said "there is a strong distrust in the ability of the RCVS to perform its duty as a regulator and reach fair decisions through its disciplinary committee".

We think a new Veterinary Surgeons Act isn't going to help either. To give families and their animals a fair system we want an external independent ombudsman. This could also help veterinary professionals who have to cope daily with frustrated clients who feel they have no form of redress against the cash hungry corporate shareholder groups or the inadequate RCVS.

Timeline

4 Apr 2024 Petition opened for signatures
29 May 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,754
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 4 Apr 2024
Closed 29 May 2024

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.