Licensing for racing veterinarians unnecessary

The AVA and the equine special interest group EVA have been in communication with Racing NSW and Racing Queensland after both organisations announced the implementation of a mandatory licensing system for veterinarians treating thoroughbreds in training from 1 December 2013.

AVA members have been united in their strong opposition to a mandatory licensing system, and their belief that the profession is already very well regulated by state veterinary registration boards.

“While the integrity of racing is extremely important to our members, we see an additional licensing system as unnecessary, ineffective and likely to result in unintended consequences that will affect country racing, veterinary costs and animal welfare,” said AVA President, Ben Gardiner.

“If there are practitioners behaving unprofessionally, we want them out of the profession, not just out of racing. And only a properly constituted vet board enforcing legislation can do that.

“So we’ve been working alongside vet boards in NSW and Queensland to find a negotiated solution that meets concerns of both parties,” said Ben.

The AVA Board met on 5 December and reiterated its absolute commitment to opposing the concept of a second licensing system for veterinarians.

“We are optimistic that a negotiated agreement will be able to address the concerns of all parties, and are considering all the options available to us,” said Ben.

Racing NSW has posted a deferral notice to revise the implementation date of the scheme to 15 January 2014 and Racing Queensland also announced a delay of the implementation to 15 January 2014.

We will keep members informed as events unfold.

Media release – 18 October 2013

Background article – AVJ June 2012

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