CENTRAL VETERINARY SOCIETY Established 1870 A Division of the British Veterinary Association

Minutes of a meeting of Council held on Monday 12th December 2005, at Hardwick Court Farm, Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD.

Present:  the President Mr. C. Boyde, Prof. J. Bleby, Mr. R. Ewbank, Mr. L. Gibson, Mr. B. Hoskin, Dr. P. Lane, Mr. K. Meldrum, Mr. A. M. R. Nelson, Mr. H. Robinson and Mr. C. Woodham.

Apologies for Absence:  Mr. C. R. Herbert, Dr. M. Kerr and Dr. A. Porter.  In the absence of the Hon. Secretary, Mr. B. Hoskin was conscripted into taking the minutes.

Minutes of the previous meeting on 4th July 2005 had been circulated and were approved.

Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere:

• Whilst recognising that the Government's tactics are to over-consult, there is a distinct concern that BVA is not coping. Keith Meldrum is due to meet the President on December 13th.
• New VSA - should we bother or just let Government/DEFRA get on with it?

Correspondence:  In the absence of the Hon. Secretary, there was none.

President's report:

• The President is enjoying his Presidential year so far and was pleased with the last meeting at the Farmers Club addressed by Brigadier Paul Jepson and the installation of George Tribe as an Honorary Fellow of the CVS.
• The meeting approved the President's proposal that Major G. W. Serth be also elected as an Honorary Fellow of the CVS.

Secretary's report:  no report.

Treasurer's report:  No change!

BVA Representative's report:

• When would the BVA Chairman address Council? - many reminders from CVS.
• MEPs as Honorary Associates - 'cock-up' theory after Council had approved.
• Membership
  • how many overseas graduates are members of the BVA?
  • how long do they stay on average?
  • new members figures are not clear.
• The future of Territorial Divisions - the Veterinary Record should have a section on BVA.
• Divisional News.  There is an ongoing role for the Territorial Divisions and CPD is one of the driving forces.
• Enc. 4: Government and the Veterinary Profession - Council approved of the papers contents but was concerned at the general downgrading of all professions by this Government and the downgrading of LVI payments.  BVA should  consult the relevant unions.
• Enc 5: Herd Health Planning - contents OK but concern at the BVA representation.
• Enc 6: Animals under our care - no particular debate or issues.
• Enc 7: Medicines Legislation - a letter had been received but the author was unknown.  The legislation is now in place and the profession should now concentrate on identifying difficulties in practice to press for amending such anomalies, promised in October 2006
• Enc 8: Election to the Board - Dr Bleby was advised of the CVS preference.
• Enc 9: Election of the President-elect - Council is in favour of the candidate.
• Enc 10: Avian Influenza update - how many specialist vets are there?
• Enc 11: TB update - noted.
• Enc 12: VPG update
  1. Tail docking.  CVS Council took a vote on the proposal for an outright ban on tail-docking - a majority were in favour.
  2. Animal Health and Welfare Strategy - potential difficulties which could arise from the proposed local enforcement/statutory enforcement notices were noted.
  3. VPG minutes are far too detailed for BVA Council representatives - a summary of the major points is required.
• Enc 13: MSG - there would be support for a mid-week BVA Congress at the RSM.
• Enc 14: AWF
  1. Concern at the level of administration and promotional costs.
  2. What progress on the planning application at Rathmire Farm?

AWF Representative's report:

• The Annual Accounts are available on the AWF website.
• Ideas for leaflets would be welcomed, currently caged birds and laboratory animals.
• Divisional Representatives' Day scheduled for May 28th 2006.

Membership:  no report.

BVA Council matters:  already covered above.

Any other business:

• The President-elect outlined the programme for 2006-07.
• The President and his good lady were warmly thanked for their generous hospitality.

Date, time and place of next meeting:  Next BVA Council is on Wednesday 29th March 2006, therefore the next meeting of the CVS Council will be on Monday 27th March 2006 at Hardwick Court Farm, Lyne, Chertsey, at 6.30pm.  (Subsequently rearranged for Tuesday 28th March.)

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