College pays tribute to former RCVS President Bob Moore

The RCVS has paid tribute to former President Bob Moore, who served on its governing Council for 16 years, from 1999 to 2015.

A 1967 graduate of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Bob served as President in 2007-8, after previously serving as Treasurer.

Coming from a farming background himself, after graduation Bob went into farm animal practice in Tiverton, Devon, for three years before moving to Kingfisher Veterinary Practice in Somerset, where he became a partner in the business and spent the rest of his professional life.

During his time as an RCVS Council member, he served on many committees, subcommittees and working groups, chairing the Advisory Committee (now Standards Committee) and the Finance and General Purposes Committee (now Finance and Resources Committee). He was also a past President and Treasurer of the British Cattle Veterinary Association.

Professor Tim Parkin, current RCVS President, said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Moore and our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.

“As a rural practitioner Bob knew how important the veterinary professions are not only to animal health and welfare, but also to local livelihoods and communities. This is reflected in how he approached his presidential year – making sure our Regional Question Times went to agricultural towns such as Dunblane near Stirling and Yeovil in Somerset, where there were record turn-outs.

“As RCVS President, he also addressed the joint Conference of the Government Veterinary Surgeons and the Association of Government Veterinarians, where he congratulated Official Veterinarians on their role in surveillance and responding to notifiable diseases, as well as food safety and the rural economy.

“As a practitioner he was also keen to help members of the professions understand more about the standards set by the College and some of the most common sources of complaints about professional conduct. To this end, he led the publication of a well-received booklet that aimed to help his peers avoid complaints, with a focus on the importance of good communication with animal owners.”