My evening at the BVA London Dinner

On Wednesday 8 March, I was fortunate enough to attend the annual BVA London Dinner. This gathering is an opportunity for vets and other professionals in the animal health sector to engage on topical and current issues affecting the wider veterinary profession. The event welcomes parliamentarians, representatives of animal health and welfare organisations, and a range of members from across the veterinary profession.

I was delighted to be invited to attend as a recent graduate into the veterinary profession. I graduated from the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine in July 2022 and have spent the past six months settling into my new role at PDSA. Prior to vet school, I qualified in both law and social work. I spent most of my career as a child protection social worker and expert witness in the family courts, with human and animal welfare remaining close to my heart.

Arriving at One Great George Street

I arrived in central London in the pouring rain, excited to meet new people and hear their insights on current issues. On my arrival at One Great George Street, I was greeted by BVA President Malcolm Morley. It was lovely to see a familiar face, having spent time with Malcolm on equine EMS in the summer of 2019. Among navigating my nervousness around horses, we had some fascinating conversations on the trips between calls about various welfare issues, client interactions, and the need to work skilfully with people as a vet.

The President's Speech

After a warm welcome reception, Malcolm gave a speech which encapsulated the theme of the evening; the proposed Kept Animals Bill and how it would enhance and provide protections for kept animals in Britain, including powers to deal with puppy smuggling and improving welfare standards for farmed animals. He touched on the rapidly rising numbers of Brucella Canis because of the importation of dogs. Importantly, Malcolm also touched on the need to protect the title of Veterinary Nurse.

The audience listened intently to this eloquent and impassioned speech, which was motivating and perfectly captured Malcolm’s expressive ability to engage with people so well. This was a call for the veterinary profession to pay attention to the matters that affect the animals we see and treat every day.

Bringing different stakeholders within the profession together

Lord Benyon followed with a speech on the Veterinary Surgeon’s Act, animal welfare reform, and antimicrobial resistance. The evening then continued with a wonderful three course meal. At various points, I found myself in discussion with RCVS President Melissa Donald, BVA Junior Vice President Anna Judson, RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer Caroline Allen, Cats Protection Director of Feline Welfare Maggie Roberts, and Counsellor and the multi-talented Cabinet Member Marisa Heath, among many others. The conversation flowed and it was encouraging to swap stories of our various backgrounds, experiences and ambitions for the future.

I have continued to work as an expert witness in the family courts and I have recently become involved in the work of the Links Group which raises awareness of the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. Members of the Group were present at the Dinner and while we only saw each other briefly, the event served as a reminder to focus on the issues that we can make a positive contribution to with our varied expertise.

Change comes from action

It is easy to get lost in the day to day challenges of being a vet, especially as a new graduate. Events such as this offer an opportunity for reflection and to think about the purpose that drives us forward.

Overall, it was a brilliant evening, which left me feeling positive about the profession I have entered. I strongly believe that you can have a room full of capable and interesting individuals, but particularly when it comes to matters of the very broad issue of animal welfare, change comes from action.

Final thanks

I would like to finish by thanking Helena Cotton for organising such a wonderful evening and I look forward to attending again.