VALE of Glamorgan MP Kanishka Narayan is calling for urgent action to protect pet owners in Barry from rising veterinary costs, driven by a handful of firms – many owned by private equity shareholders.
The Labour MP says that in Barry, veterinary services are increasingly dominated by large corporate groups, leaving only a handful of independent practices such as Barry’s Vets and Vale Veterinary Centre, one of the last independent vet centres in south Wales. In the past decade, the share of independent veterinary practices has plummeted from 90% to 40%, with corporate ownership—driven by private equity—now dominating the sector.
Kanishka Narayan said: “Britain is a nation of pet lovers, and Barry is foremost among them. Caring for our pets should not come at an unaffordable cost. Yet, right here in Barry, we are seeing pet owners struggle with soaring vet bills and fewer choices. I am determined to fight this, to lower bills, and to make sure our pets are well looked after. The current situation isn’t fair, and it’s time for action.”
Mr Narayan cited a number of examples from his constituents:
Sian: A low-income, disabled dog lover, Sian relies on her pets for companionship and emotional support. However, soaring vet bills and a lack of transparency have left her in debt, still paying off costs from having her previous dogs put down. Now, as she trains a new support puppy, she fears the high costs will continue.
Elspeth: Working with Friends of Animals Wales, Elspeth has witnessed a rise in pet rehoming as families struggle with unaffordable vet bills. She warns that private equity takeovers are driving up prices, cutting services, and forcing charities to pick up the pieces when owners can no longer cope.
Annie: As a pet owner with ponies, sheep, and chickens, Annie understands the pressures faced by both domestic and farming communities. She warns that the shortage of specialist vets for larger animals is hitting farmers even harder, leaving them with few options and rising costs.
In support of his constituents, Narayan has written to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP, asking: “What steps is his department taking to ensure adequate competition in the veterinary care sector to provide affordable, high-quality services for constituents in the Vale of Glamorgan and across the UK?”
Mr Narayan told the Glamorgan Star that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was investigating the sector and that he would be pushing the Minister to take action when it reports.
The ‘Pets Not Profits’ Campaign Calls For:
Greater transparency in veterinary pricing and ownership.
Fair competition to ensure affordable, high-quality care.
Regulatory action to prevent corporate monopolies from exploiting pet owners.
Barry residents affected by high vet costs are encouraged to get in touch with their MP and share their experiences to support the campaign.
Write to us
What’s your view on this story? Write a letter and send it to us, and we’ll tell 33,000 other readers in our printed edition. Email:
.
- I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
- ‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
- Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
