As an independent veterinary business owner, I am deeply concerned about the current process in which the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) intends to grant exclusive access to the unredacted Provisional Decision Report (PDR) to a "confidentiality ring" composed only of the six largest veterinary corporate groups. This decision is pivotal, having profound implications not just for my practice, but for the independent veterinary sector as a whole.

While the officials assure us that this is to ensure a fair assessment and response, the truth is that these conglomerates operate under a fundamentally different business model than independent practices. Given that independent vets represent 40% of the industry, excluding us from this crucial process constrains our ability to participate effectively in shaping a future that addresses all stakeholders concerns.

Allowing only large corporations to scrutinise and respond to the PDR proposal would skew the outcomes in favour of business practices and concerns unique to their operations while sidelining the nuances and unique contributions of independent establishments. Such an approach risks a future veterinary landscape dominated by corporate interests at the expense of choice and diversity for both vet professionals and pet owners.

The value of independent businesses in the veterinary industry cannot be overstated. We offer personalised, community-grounded services that are vital to maintaining balanced, high-quality care options for the public. If the PDR's trajectory is primarily influenced by corporate perspectives, we could witness an erosion of opportunities for small, independent practices to thrive or even survive.

I urge the CMA to expand the scope of the "confidentiality ring" by including one or more representatives from independent businesses to review the full details of the PDR and offer a balanced, holistic response. We seek transparency and fairness in this pivotal decision-making stage for an industry where diversity and independence are key.

Please join me in calling for this necessary change. Sign this petition to insist on equal access and fair representation for independent veterinary practices in assessing the CMA's Provisional Decision Report.