Since the Royal Charter of 1844, the UK veterinary profession has enjoyed ‘self-regulatory’ status. Now, after 180 years with vets at the helm, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons proposes a transition to an independent regulatory board. Dr Tom Lonsdale welcomes the initiative as an opportunity to address critical issues affecting availability and cost of vet services, vet education, job satisfaction and reducing the industry’s alarming mental health statistics
