RCVS Election
Tom Lonsdale is a candidate
for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Council elections. Campaign information
will be posted at this site closer to the election. For background information
please consult Tom Lonsdale's Home Page
or the listing on Vet Web and the
Raw Meaty Bones Campaign page.
Election manifesto
Published in
the veterinary record 8 March 1997 and March issue of RCVS News.
Your vote can add an international dimension to Royal College representation as
we prepare for the next century. Issues facing the College frequently have aspects
of international importance. Current examples are reciprocal recognition of qualifications,
veterinary school standards and quarantine arrangements.
The RCVS has a membership of about 13,900 UK resident members plus about 3,500
members who reside outside the UK. It seems to me that as a group we are well
placed and perhaps obligatedto take an active interest in the health and welfare
of animals on a global level. At the turn of the century at the height of empire
our profession and the RCVS had a global outlook in the fight against epidemic
contagious diseases such as Anthrax, Tuberculosis and Pleuro - Pneumonia. Now
as we approach the millennium the principle disease of the companion animals under
our care is periodontal disease. I believe that our public has a reasonable expectation
that we will act with due diligence in seeking solutions.
Animal welfare and food safety are matters of concern to our public and are best
dealt with on a cooperative international basis. Assisting in this regard is the
explosion in communications technology. This fast moving two way traffic means
that issues quickly gain importance and simultaneously require official response.
I am a 1972 London graduate with general practice experience. Currently engaged
in companion animal practice in Sydney, Australia with a research interest in
periodontal disease. I pledge my commitment and seek your support. Thank you.