VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17605, 9 January 1929, Page 8

VETERINARY SURGEONS.

dispensing dangerous drugs. . ANOMALY FOUND IN ACT. What appears to be a somewhat disconcerting fact has been discovered in the new regulations which have just been issued under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1927, and an opinion has been expressed that the provision concerned is ultra vires by reason of the fact that it prohibits something which was deliberately legalised by the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1926. In citing those who may dispense dangerous drugs, a paragraph of the second section of clause I says: “ ‘Veterinary surgeon means a person for the time being registered as a veterinary surgeon under the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1926.” This would appear to prohibit those veterinary practitioners who do not hold qualifications as veterinary surgeons, but who were allowed to continue their practice under the 1926 Act, from prescribing dangerous drugs, which they have hitherto been able to do. When the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1926 was passed provision was made that those then in existence as veterinary practitioners could carry on their business. The new regulation is stated to have had a disturbing effect upon those engaged in theprofessiom^^