Game on! Are you ready for the pheasant season?
The 2025/26 pheasant season is finally here. BASC’s Julia Newman highlights a few things to think about for your first shoot day.
- - Features
- - Features
Will legislative reform improve veterinary services?
BASC’s Felicity Winters reviews a consultation on proposed reforms to the Veterinary Surgeons Act from a working dog owner’s perspective.
The Government is consulting on a UK-wide consultation on proposed reforms to the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act that runs until 25 March.
BASC believes the review is both welcome and necessary to address legislation that no longer reflects the realities of modern veterinary practice or the needs of both pet and working dogs and their owners.
From advances in clinical care, to the growing number of allied professionals supporting animal health – including behaviourists – the sector has changed significantly. However, the law hasn’t kept pace.
For those of us who work with and rely on dogs for companionship and their essential help in the field, this matters.
Why is this consultation important?
For many people involved in shooting working dogs are at the heart of what we do. Their health, welfare, development and performance depend on access to high-quality veterinary care and properly qualified professionals.
Currently, some roles that directly impact animal welfare sit outside a clear regulatory framework.
This reform presents an opportunity to:
- strengthen protections for animals
- improve transparency and consistency in veterinary services
- provide clarity for dog owners about who is properly qualified and regulated
- ensure allied professionals are held to appropriate standards
- support confidence in the services our members rely on
Just as importantly, reform must be handled carefully.
The veterinary profession faces significant pressures, including well-documented wellbeing challenges. Any changes must avoid placing additional strain on frontline professionals or allowing commercial pressures to override clinical judgement. The welfare of companion and working animals must always remain the priority.
Your voice matters
The consultation is an opportunity for those who work closely with dogs and understand their needs to feed directly into the process. BASC will be submitting a response.
We encourage gundog owners to review the proposals and submit their views. Even a short response can help ensure that the realities of working dog ownership and field sports are properly understood.
Thoughtful, practical input from our community can help shape legislation that works for animals, owners, and professionals alike.
Read the consultation here. Send your response by email to VSA-Reform@defra.gov.uk.
If you have any queries or feedback for BASC on the consultation, please email me at felicity.winters@basc.org.uk
Share
BASC Media team
Have a beaters’ day to remember
BASC’s Julia Newman shares her top tips for enjoying your beaters’ day this year, a highlight in the shooting calendar for all involved.
Crufts 2025 – the best of dogs and people
Brian Little’s visit to Crufts this year was his first since losing his sight. But with his wife as his guide, he experienced the event in a new and enriching way.