Government has moved to regulate veterinarians that practice in Bermuda but setting up a new veterinarian register to better protect the public than current legislation allows.

Elvin James, Minister of Environment and Sport, introduced the Bill in the House of Assembly yesterday, titled The Veteranarian Practitioners Act 2008.

Government's rationale for the Bill is that current legislation governing who is qualified to practice as a veterinarian in Bermuda, under the Agricultural Act 1930, has become inadequate.

Mr. James stated: "The registration of veterinarian practitioners has largely been governed by policy, which has been guided by only four short sections of the Agriculture Act 1930.

"In terms of professional regulation, the Agriculture Act 1930 is inadequate.

"Firstly, the registration prerequisites that have historically been requested of applicants mean that Bermuda has adopted the registration (or licensure) standards found in North America or the UK."

Moreover, the new Act establishes a programme of continuing veterinary education – something the old did not require, Mr. James added.

Veterinarians would have to re-register every three years to be on the list of professional veterinarians.

"This provision will ensure that veterinary professionals continue to develop their knowledge base and skills to reflect advances in their profession."

Cole Simons, Opposition spokesperson for the Environment, stated: "I would say that 60 percent of Bermuda's households have some type of pet of some sort.

"I'm certain that the calibre of service we have in Bermuda is world class and we ought not compromise the quality of veterinarian service that's being delivered – at any time.