All veterinarians wishing to practice in the UK need to be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the governing body of the veterinary profession. The Council of the RCVS comprises 40 members rcvs.org.uk :

4 members, including the Government Chief Veterinary Officer, appointed by the Privy Council.

12 members nominated by the six UK veterinary schools.

24 members elected by the Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

The veterinary schools all have extensive links with the junk pet food industry. An environment exists such that not only nutrition, but dentistry and most aspects of small animal veterinary medicine are under the influence of the pet food companies.

Elected members are drawn from different areas of veterinary activity. All tend to support, promote or sell junk pet food. (None are on the record as opposing junk pet food.) Past President of the RCVS, Professor Neil Gorman and 2005/2006 President Mrs Lynne Hill both had significant careers working for the junk pet food industry. Professor Gorman was for an extended period the Director of the Mars Corporation’s pet food research and development centre.

When a letter was sent to all RCVS Councillors eight replied. Seven respondents supported the promotion and sale of junk food. Professor Sheila Crispin was non-committal.

UKRMB
Letter to 2004/2005 RCVS Council Members (5 Oct 2004) .....Click Here

REPLIES from RCVS Council Members:

J.B. Johnson BVSc DVSc MRCVS (6 Oct 2004).........Click Here

C.F. Shield BVM&S MRCVS (9 Oct 2004).................Click Here

Professor S.M.Crispin (10 Oct 2004).......................Click Here

J.S Ware BVM&S MRCVS
(Past President RCVS) (10 Oct 2004)......................Click Here

Mrs P.J. Nute BVSc MRCVS (11 Oct 2004)...............Click Here

Martyn Jones MP (12 Oct 2004).............................Click Here

D.M. McDowell BVMS MRCVS (15 Oct 2004).............Click Here

J.D. Bailey BVSc MRCVS (8 Dec 2004)....................Click Here


Given the allegations of serious professional misconduct in respect to the promotion and sale of junk pet food it appears that the RCVS should declare an interest and disqualify itself from further deliberations. But to the contrary the RCVS has quoted the Pet Food Manufacturers Association in support of processed foods - see Dog World Article


A second letter sent to all RCVS Councillors, regarding the suppression of dietary information in the veterinary press, received just five replies.

UKRMB Open Debate Letter (13 Dec 2004)....................Click Here

REPLIES from RCVS Council Members:

G.C. Skerritt BVSc MIBiol CBiol DipECVN FRCVS (16 Dec 2004)....Click Here

C.F. Shield BVM&S MRCVS (20 Dec 2004)...............Click Here

Mrs P.J. Nute BVSc MRCVS (3 Jan 2005).................Click Here

Professor S.M.Crispin (5 Jan 2005).........................Click Here

D. Harding MRCVS (21 Jan 2005)..........................Click Here

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