Veterinary Policy Research Fellow Dr Steven McCulloch: "Vets must support meat reduction for the benefit of people, the planet and animals"

Dr Steven McCulloch, Research Fellow at the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience, continues to lead important work on the evolving responsibilities of the veterinary profession, the influence of national veterinary associations, and the ways these bodies shape policy and public debate. His research highlights why evidence‑led leadership is becoming increasingly essential for animals, public health, and the environment.

In a new article published in Vet Record, Steven brings together some of the most urgent challenges of our time — including climate change, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic disease, biodiversity loss and animal suffering. By examining these interconnected risks, he argues that veterinarians have a professional duty to support national meat‑reduction targets.

The article sets out the case for national veterinary associations to advocate for a 50 per cent reduction in meat consumption by 2050, as part of their responsibilities to protect public health, animal wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Read the piece in Vet Record: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/vetr.70333

Dr Steven McCulloch will be speaking on this topic at The 4th International Online Conference on Animals in March 2026.