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Exotic Vet Closure Sparks UK Animal Welfare Fears
23 Mar
Summary
- Specialist exotic animal practice Great Western Exotics is closing.
- Clients fear a lack of viable alternatives for exotic pet care.
- The closure raises concerns about corporate influence in veterinary care.
Great Western Exotics, the UK's leading specialist veterinary practice for exotic animals, is slated for closure. Founded in 2004 by avian vet Dr. Neil Forbes, the clinic has served as a critical referral center for tens of thousands of exotic pets nationwide. Its impending shutdown, following acquisition by Vets Now and the conglomerate IVC Evidensia, has sparked widespread concern among pet owners and veterinary professionals.
Clients express deep anxiety over the lack of comparable facilities, particularly for complex procedures like CT scans and blood transfusions. The practice also hosted the UK's sole European College of Zoological Medicine avian residency program, crucial for training specialist avian vets. This closure raises significant questions about the impact of corporate consolidation in the veterinary sector, a trend already under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority due to rising fees and reduced choice.
A spokesperson for Vets Now stated that demand and changes in the clinical team impacted the clinic's long-term viability, but assured that efforts are underway to ensure continuity of care through referrals. However, critics argue that profit is being prioritized over animal welfare, jeopardizing the future of specialized exotic animal care in the UK.
