BVA welcomes appointment of veterinary expert to House of Lords

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the appointment of veterinary expert Professor Alexander Trees to the House of Lords.

Professor Trees is an animal health veteran who has worked in international roles in general practice, industry and academia, while producing more than 140 scientific papers.

Following a recommendation by the House of Lords appointments commission he will become a crossbench peer, making him only the second veterinary surgeon to enter the House of Lords.

BVA president Carl Padgett said the professor's wealth of experience and scientific expertise in veterinary medicine and public health issues represents a positive development.

He added: "We are pleased that the value of veterinary input in legislative debate has been recognised by the appointments commission."

This month, the BVA also welcomed the government's response to European laws governing the ethical treatment of animals used for scientific purposes, issuing a joint statement alongside the Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association.