Cabinet Reshuffle: BVA Comments On Changes At Defra
12 years ago
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Posted
6th September, 2012 11h46
British Veterinary Association President Carl Padgett has welcomed Owen Paterson and David Heath to their new positions in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and paid tribute to outgoing Secretary of State Caroline Spelman and Minister Jim Paice.
Commenting, Mr Padgett said:
“The BVA has enjoyed a very good relationship with Defra with Caroline Spelman and Jim Paice at the helm. They both showed a huge amount of respect for the scientific views and expertise of the veterinary profession.
“The bold policy decision taken on bovine TB underlined their understanding of the importance of veterinary scientific evidence as well as the needs of the farming community and we are grateful that they led on such a difficult political issue.
“On other important issues such as dangerous dogs, microchipping, wild animals in circuses and welfare at slaughter we have consistently been given a fair hearing and the opportunity to put forward the views of the veterinary profession.
“We welcome Owen Paterson and David Heath to their new roles and very much look forward to working with them. Bovine TB policy is at a critical stage and we are keen to ensure they are fully briefed on the latest scientific evidence.
“In the not-too-distant future we are also expecting a consultation on welfare at slaughter and movement on the policy for compulsory microchipping of dogs and again we will work with the new ministerial team to input the veterinary profession’s expertise.”
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