From past experience, that would be unlikely. In this case the government would probably take the view that, as the treatment can only be carried out by a veterinarian, it is up to the profession, through the College, to regulate its conduct. If there were growing expectations with a real prospect of transplantation being introduced for animal treatment, the College would probably issue guidelines to the profession or, after consultation with those most likely to be involved, a more detailed code of practice. The reputation of the individual veterinarian and the profession as a whole would be open to criticism if it were found that such basic requirements had not been met and animals had suffered unnecessarily as a result. From current evidence in the UK, there would seem to be little call for organ transplantation in the clinical treatment of animals.
Many veterinarians have serious reservations on ethical grounds.
Time will tell. It may be that a small number of cat owners, for example, start to exert a level of pressure that is difficult to resist. One or two veterinarians may feel that they have a professional obligation to respond to the requests of clients and set about ensuring that they can develop a centre of excellence that will provide all the necessary expertise. As in human transplantation, set backs must be expected in the early stages. In the final analysis, however, veterinarians, owners of sick animals and the public will have to be persuaded that transplantation is an acceptable, successful and worthwhile form of treatment.