Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 5 July 2023 to Question 191886 on Animal Welfare: Veterinary Services, what the outcome was of the workforce modelling across the veterinary sector undertaken by the Royal Colleague of Veterinary Surgeons; and how many qualified vets will be needed by 2028 to respond to animal welfare issues.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) workforce modelling of the veterinary sector is ongoing and will be published in due course. This workforce modelling will explore future veterinary capacity required to deliver on animal welfare and public health commitments.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will continue to support the vital work of the veterinary profession and works closely with the RCVS.