Four veterinary surgeons presented with warrants

Four veterinary surgeons received their warrants yesterday in a ceremony conducted at the Ministry of Environment in Santa Venera.

The four took an oath based around taking proper care of the animals that they come into contact with and to continue with the improvement and development of their work over the years to come, explained Gareth Grima, the chairman of the Veterinary Surgeon Council. He said that the council also remains committed to making sure that each veterinarian partakes in Core Professional Development courses for a number of hours every year to keep up to date with new, modern practices.

Speaking about the work of the council, Grima spoke about how they also work hand in hand with all concerned ministries to give advice on the veterinary section, on matters such as licenses and the hospital for animals whilst also being responsible for any disciplinary measures that may be required from time to time.

Both the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Clint Camilleri and Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Jose Herrera then spoke about how important this ceremony for the granting of warrants was the first for this sector. It was important for this ceremony to occur as it was a memorable day for those receiving their warrants; but also as it allowed the exhibition of these new professionals’ names in the public.

Camilleri spoke about the importance of vets both when it comes to domestic animals at home and also to animals in farms as it is vets who make sure that these animals are taken care of properly and are as a result suitable for consumption. Not only do vets partake in the care of these animals; but their advice is also important for the setting up of standards related to the animal field.

Herrera meanwhile took note that there was a strong percentage of women up for this warrant; indeed three out of the four handed their warrants yesterday were female. This coupled with the rise in female graduation levels in courses for other sectors – such as architecture or law – is a good thing, Herrera said.

Herrera also reserved praise for the four new vets as, he said, they did not have the easy way of studying in Malta; but had to make numerous sacrifices to study abroad. Both Herrera and Camilleri spoke about the need to support students who would like to follow this line of work, with Herrera even calling it “a dream” of his for the University of Malta to offer a Veterinary Surgeon course in the future.

The four newly warranted veterinary surgeons are Domenico Puma, Violet Azzopardi, Andrea Grima and Carla Gonzalez Bason.