The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has no control over ownership of veterinary practices, according to its updated code of professional conduct.

The code states that veterinary services can only be provided by veterinary practitioners. They must practise veterinary medicine at and from a registered premises.

“The veterinary practitioner is the service provider and the clinical discretion of the veterinary practitioner is paramount, acting at all times in the interest of animal health, welfare and public health,” the VCI said in a statement on Tuesday.

It added that ownership bears no influence on veterinary services and their provision.

“The VCI continues as always to use its statutory powers to ensure that the highest standards of clinical governance are employed in veterinary medicine within the State.”

A certificate of suitability (COS) is issued by the VCI to veterinary practitioners who wish to provide veterinary services at and from the premises to which the certificate relates. A COS for the veterinary premises is required before any veterinary service to the public may begin at and from that premises and the COS is renewed on a four-year-cycle. The COS for veterinary services involving the practice of veterinary medicine may only be held in the name of a registered veterinary practitioner.

“The clinical discretion and independence of the veterinary profession is paramount in all of this. The veterinary practitioner is the service provider and they must ensure that no contract or otherwise affects their clinical autonomy or professional judgement in all matters relating to the provision of that service,” Peadar O’Scanaill, president of the Veterinary Council of Ireland said.

The announcement comes after months of speculation on this issue. The Veterinary Council initially amended its code of professional conduct in December 2017, stating that corporate companies could own veterinary practises. This amendment was put on hold in January 2018 to allow for a period of consultation with stakeholders. The results of this 18-month consultation have been compiled in a report by Grant Thornton.

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