Disciplinary Committee

A Disciplinary Committee hearing is a tribunal where charges are heard against a veterinary surgeon alleging that he or she is guilty of serious professional misconduct (the wording of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is ‘disgraceful conduct in a professional respect’), or that he or she is unfit to practise because of a criminal conviction.

The Disciplinary Committee hears evidence on oath or by affirmation. There are 22 members on the Disciplinary Committee, but there will usually only be 5 members hearing a case.