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娛樂城遊戲 responds to Competition and Markets Authority鈥檚 review of the veterinary sector

12 Mar 2024

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Following an initial review of the veterinary services market for pets, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has outlined its main concerns and its provisional decision to launch a formal 鈥榤arket investigation鈥.

娛樂城遊戲 responds to Competition and Markets Authority鈥檚 review of the veterinary sector  Image

The CMA outlined the following concerns:

  • Consumers may not be given enough information to enable them to choose the best veterinary practice or the right treatment for their needs.
  • Concentrated local markets, in part driven by sector consolidation, may be leading to weak competition in some areas.
  • Large corporate groups may have incentives to act in ways which reduce choice and weaken competition.
  • Pet owners might be overpaying for medicines or prescriptions.
  • The regulatory framework is outdated and may no longer be fit for purpose.

The 娛樂城遊戲 (娛樂城遊戲), which represents more than 19,000 vets across the UK, responds to the CMA鈥檚 concerns:

娛樂城遊戲 President Dr. Anna Judson, said:

鈥淭he veterinary sector has changed significantly over recent years and the Competition and Markets Authority鈥檚 proposed investigation provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how both veterinary teams and practices can continue to provide clients with the best possible service.

鈥淩ising prices are a concern for everyone but it鈥檚 vital to recognise there is no NHS for pets. Whether they are employed by corporate or independently owned practices, vets deliver highly specialised, tailored care for the UK鈥檚 pets and the cost is a fair reflection of investment in medical equipment, supplies and medicines, and the time vet teams dedicate to the care of each patient.听At the 娛樂城遊戲, we鈥檙e keen to see healthy competition and consumer choice and so we are already taking steps to support vet practices to be more transparent both in terms of costs and practice ownership. It鈥檚 important that clients have as wide a choice of vet practices as possible so they can find a service that best suits the needs of themselves and their animals.

鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased to see the CMA acknowledging the need for reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act and for regulation of vet practices, something we have been calling for. As the legislation stands, it鈥檚 not fit for purpose and is failing both vet teams and clients.鈥

鈥淚t鈥檚 really important not to pre-empt the outcome of the CMA鈥檚 investigation. When the CMA launched its initial review, vet teams in practice found themselves on the end of really unpleasant, often abusive behaviour, which is unacceptable. It鈥檚 important to remember that vets enter this high-pressure profession out of genuine care for animals and will always prioritise their health and welfare.听We听will continue to engage constructively with the CMA by responding to this latest consultation and will continue to play a leadership role in driving positive change for vets and their clients.

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