Page 5 - Summer 18

I have drafted a letter offering case reports from our ’
membership (now awaiting committee appraisal).
It is encouraging to note that there are still colleagues out there who express challenging and altruistic views and are prepared to stand up for what they believe are higher standards of conduct within the BVA. Again in this week’s Vet Record there is a letter from Jane Sansom (page 195) reminding us of our duty to mind animal welfare on a wide front, including difficult issues, not just in words but also in deed. There is also a ‘My View’ item from Ruby Shorrock (page 200) calling the BVA to order over dismissive and
critical generalisations about vegans. They both make powerful and thought- provoking points and, what is more, the Vet Record has published them.
We have formed a liaison group with the CAM4Animals support group, so that there can be a free flow of ideas between them and the BAHVS and so that mutual support and information-sharing can be facilitated. The inaugural meeting will be held on 20th August. Our representation is provided by Ilse Pedler, Peter Gregory and myself. Of course, Peter’s presence in that group also
brings in close contact with the Faculty.
Ilse Pedler, Peter Gregory, Chris Day
I truly believe that ‘hostile’ forces are aware that the science behind homeopathy is on the verge of being watertight and broadcast, so are now desperately struggling to close it all down.
Lords) organised by Lord Ward-Atherton: “New Horizons in Water Science”. This assembled under one roof on one- day scientific presentations from two Nobel Laureates and scientists from Russia, USA, France, India and the UK. I have extensive notes but am expecting a transcript or recording, from which I can compile a decent ‘report’ for the BAHVS. As the Russian scientist stated, if ultra-high dilutions behave differently from water, there is a scientific basis for homeopathy. The work he reported went on the show just that. Another fascinating snippet with great implications was a neat demonstration by a British scientist that water can respond to music and can remember that response. I truly believe that ‘hostile’ forces are aware that the science behind homeopathy is on the verge of being watertight and broadcast, so are now desperately struggling to close it all down. We are ‘in the way’ and the current vicious and powerful campaign against us is nothing short of a ‘crusade’ with absolute victory and annihilation as its goal. The public have seen the truth in droves and we must be ambassadors for homeopathy in the best way possible, through excellence in our work and through courage and determination against those who have drawn up ranks against us.
As our veterinary oath proclaims “ABOVE ALL, my constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to my care”. That is an unequivocal statement and declares beyond doubt what our ultimate guide must be. That is our supreme authority.
Thought for the day: a saying that has come down to the present via multiple sources can be summarised: “ A lie can fly half way around the world while truth is putting on its boots”.
The BVA has published its new Position Statement on CAM. It seems not to single out homeopathy in the way that the RCVS statement did and it has sought to neutralise some of the criticisms that followed the RCVS statement. It mentions client choice and practitioner freedom but goes on to propose restrictions on both. It also makes proposals that appear to apply especially to practitioners of CAM but should be applied across the board of veterinary practice as a whole (informed consent, evidence base etc.). We should not be subjected to special restrictions on the way we practice. Homeopathy is a legitimate branch of medicine and we should be supported in our use of same.
I was honoured to have been invited as VIP to the symposium (and preceding formal dinner at the House of
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Lord Ward-Atherton