Those with a keen eye may have noticed that
the Clubs web site address is now preceded by an HTTPS and a
padlock symbol this denotes that it is a secure site. This
will provide security from Hackers and also provide security
for visitors to the site.
Did
You Know that Your Vet may be part of a large Corporate
Group ?:
It is not all that obvious,
but many small Vet practices have now sold out to a large
corporate group, but still retain their old name. Some
long-standing clients may know that it was under new
management, but to the newcomer, it is not always apparent.
The top 4 Corporate Veterinary Groups in order of the number
of individual practices they own are as follows:
(1) The
CVS Group, Currently the largest vet group
(2) Independent
Vetcare
(3) Pets
at Home
(4) Medivet
Though it is extremely difficult to get up to date figures
as they appear hidden and guarded, it has been published in
2018 that the big 4 then owned over 30% of the total
veterinary practices in the UK by now it will be even more.
In most of these Vets apart from a huge increase in Vet fees
the biggest change is often the lack of Out of Hours
service. In many practices this has been farmed out to a
company called Vets Now and often means a long drive to
their facilities, as they usually do not come to your normal
Vets.
In 1999 something seismic happened to the Veterinarian
Profession. Tony Blair in his infinite wisdom changed
the law to allow non-vets to own veterinary practices. It
still requires a Vet to work in that practice but the
driving force is often the owners and the returns they get
from their practices.
This opened the door to venture capitalists and investors to
buy into a tranche of little goldmines, and when that
happens money and profit becomes the corporate aim.
full story at
https://www.doglistener.co.uk/veterinary-profession-broken
MESSAGE FROM KENNEL
CLUB:
The full statement can be found at
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/coronavirus/.
The following is an
extract:
Can training classes be run online?
Yes, online
classes are a great way of keeping in touch with your class
members and helping them to train their dogs at this
difficult time. With a change in their daily routine, and in
some cases restricted exercise, dog training can be a very
important ‘at home’ activity at for dogs and their owners
during this pandemic.
If and when I am around dogs belonging to others, are there
any extra precautions I need to take, in addition to social
distancing?
The government measures permit one
form of exercise a day such as a run, a walk or a cycle, so
dog owners, as long as they are well and not showing any
symptoms, can walk their pet once a day as part of these
exercising guidelines. Households with two or more adults
can take it in turns to walk their dog if they usually go
more than once a day. When taking your dog out, no one
should be making unessential journeys, so don’t travel in
your car to walk your dog, and avoid others, staying at
least two metres (around three steps) away.
It is also advisable that dogs are exercised on lead to
prevent them going close to other people – as this could
lead to owners needing to come into close contact with
others. Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you
get back from your dog walk and try not to pet other
people’s dogs.
Are dogs at risk of contracting the virus and/or spreading
the virus?
No, there is no evidence that dogs
can get coronavirus.
What if my club will not be able to run the required two
Good Citizen Dog Scheme testings or courses per year?
An extension will be granted to all GCDS clubs
during this difficult period, and will not recommence until
clubs are able to start work again. The time period to
achieve this will also be extended.
ANNUAL SHOW planned for
Sunday 14th June was
cancelled and will resume in 2021 proceeds will support the Donkey Sanctuary on
Hayling Island and Arundawn Dog Rescue.
